Timperley locals are calling for more investment and community engagement to enhance their village beyond its quirky reputation
Timperley: It’s a charming little village known for its quirky history, especially the late Frank Sidebottom, the comedian with the paper mache head. You can spot his statue right outside Costa Coffee, which is pretty iconic.
But locals feel like Timperley isn’t getting the attention it deserves. The village is part of Altrincham and Trafford, yet the local politicians, all from the Liberal Democrats, think it’s time for a change.
At a recent council meeting, they pushed for a community-led plan to improve Timperley, hoping for some serious government investment. They want this done by 2025/26, but the Labour group only agreed to start with public engagement this year.
There’s been a lot of investment in nearby areas like Altrincham and Sale, but Timperley seems to be left out. It’s densely populated and has a great local business scene, so why not give it a boost?
Then there’s the flooding issue. Many residents faced serious water problems on New Year’s Day, and some areas have always struggled with it. There’s concern that new housing developments could make things worse.
This topic is set to be discussed at the next council meeting, where they’ll likely talk about a water management plan involving several local authorities.
Despite these challenges, folks in Timperley love their village and want to see it thrive. Ged Austin, who’s lived there since he was four, reminisces about how green and peaceful it used to be.
He wishes for more green spaces and community activities to get kids outside instead of glued to screens. Claire, another local, wants more evening options, saying Timperley lacks the nightlife that nearby towns have.
But not everyone wants a bustling nightlife. Steve Woods and his friend Dave Holt prefer a quieter vibe, with a few independent shops rather than a ton of bars.
Young people like Jayne still enjoy heading into Manchester for a night out but would appreciate a local spot for a quieter evening. John Wright believes any redevelopment should focus on community spaces, as the village center feels too clinical now.
He also thinks they could celebrate Frank Sidebottom’s legacy more. The local Liberal Democrat leader, Coun Will Frass, agrees that Timperley is a great place but insists it deserves its fair share of investment.
It’s clear that Timperley has a lot of potential, and the community is eager to see it flourish beyond its quirky reputation.