THERE has recently been a good deal of adverse comment in the Messenger about the situation regarding the redevelopment of Timperley Library.

When Trafford MBC held a consultation about Timperley Library the situation presented was either that the library would close and users would be directed to Altrincham Library or that the site of the library would be developed, replacing the current library with a new library building but including a medical practice and possibly a pharmacy within the building.

The work would be paid for by the erection of 24 apartments on the site.

The reason given by Trafford for these changes was the need to save £700,000.

Timperley Civic Society felt that retention of the library in Timperley was absolutely essential. It is after all one of the best used libraries in the borough. Not only does the library house books but also provides a number of other services - children's story sessions, computers, rooms for use by the community etc.

If the library goes so also do these facilities. It was felt important therefore that the proposed development would retain these services, including the community rooms. To this end a number of meetings have been held with the developers to express concerns.

A good deal of concern has been expressed about the reduction in the number of parking spaces available across the village.

Seventy-seven public spaces have been allocated. A survey taken before the imposition of the three hour limit showed that the maximum number parking on the Baker Street car park peaked at between 80 and 90 cars in the late morning, less at other times.

Since a three hour parking limit was imposed on Thorley Lane car park it has become much easier to shop or do business in Timperley as there are almost always some parking spaces available.

The reason for this is that space is not being taken up by people parking all day ( Trafford Housing Trust usually has half a dozen vehicles on the Baker Street car park).

Now, those who work in the village will argue they need to park all day. This is a problem and one which is not peculiar to Timperley (what about staff who work in most town centres) but it is a problem which needs resolving, although use of public transport is a possibility.

Perhaps there is waste land available which might be acquired by traders for staff parking, off Orchard Place or at the back of Baker Street car park adjacent to the railway is one thought.

Mr O'Brien raises a number of questions in his letter to the Messenger most of which were answered during the consultations, which presumably he missed.

During the upheaval the library will be re-located to Park Road, not brilliant but better than nothing in the interim, and as regards opening hours a swipe card entry system has been proposed, which could make access actually better than now.

Timperley Civic Society believes that it is absolutely essential that the library remains in the village and will fight to keep it but it is important that anyone with the interests of the village at heart plays a constructive role in proceedings.

There will no doubt be problems but let's work together to make things happen.

Geoff Flood, vice chairman, Timperley Civic Society