Plans for a bigger, lighter and better new library for Laindon have received a warm welcome from potential users.

At a meeting held in the old library in the Laindon Centre regular library-goers said they were impressed by the project.

It includes a £470,000 new building - a third bigger than the current site - better staff facilities and better lighting and ventilation.

The open plan building in New Century Road will contain an improved children's library, a new study centre with computers for both adults and school children to use, new toilets for library users and provision for a pram park in the lobby.

David Murray, strategic development manager for Essex Libraries, said he was pleased with the response from local people.

He said: "I think it went very well, we are very keen to involve local people. We would like to know people's problems and concerns now rather than later.

"The old library is past its sell-by date and the new one will be much more light and airy and more comfortable for its users and staff."

One of the main issues raised by those at the meeting was the lack of parking, with some even suggesting that the library be built further back on the site to provide more spaces.

But Arthur Wooton, from Langdon Hills, felt sure the parking was a minor issue.

He said: "It's so close to the old library that car parking shouldn't be a problem, if you want a walk then you will walk, it's only 200 yards from the old library."

"It's well planned and could be great for the people who live here, it will be a great improvement."

Claire Taylor, from Laindon, added: "They do need a new library, and they definitely needed to put the toilets in.

"I'm not sure about putting the study area next to the children's library. The idea is good but they need to work on it."

Sue Coverdale, from Bedford Road in Laindon, said: "The position of the new library next to the community centre is good, it means the elderly people who use the centre will be able to pop into the library next door."

Work is due to begin on the site of the former police station in the next month, and the library is due to open in November 2000, when the lease on the existing library runs out.

Half of the site is to be sold off with the aim of offsetting half the cost of the new library but no buyer has as yet been found.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.