A CONTROVERSIAL library expansion which generated hundreds of petition signatures from local villagers is under way - but is continuing to attract criticism.

The major scheme to expand Strensall Library and provide up-to-date resources will also create new affordable homes.

But Graham Snowden, who ran a hairdressing salon in a City of York Council-owned unit for nine years before it was closed to make way for the library expansion, said villagers had lost a vital service.

He gathered 600 signatures on his Save Our Salon petition, but failed to stop the council development going ahead and his application to renew his lease was refused.

Now his loyal customers must travel from Strensall to York city centre to get their hair cut at his salon there.

Mr Snowden said: "I would go back into Strensall tomorrow if I could find a commercial property to rent. They are continuously building houses, but there's no services out there and any services they did have they have lost. We provided a real service for people in Strensall and surrounding villages and it was very well used.

"The petition showed that it was what people wanted and needed, but do they really need internet access?"

The £130,000 improvement project, which is due to be completed next March, is being carried out through a community partnership scheme involving the council and Yorkshire Housing.

When the library reopens it will be almost double in size and will have all its current services plus public access computers and a selection of CDs, videos and DVDs.

In the meantime, the mobile library will provide the service to Strensall from the car park at the village hall at the following times: Tuesday, 9.15am to 10.15am; Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm; Thursday, 3.30pm to 5pm; Friday, 5.30pm to 7pm; Saturday, 10am to 12.30pm

Almost £75,000 of the project costs will be spent converting the upstairs flat into two homes which will provide affordable housing through Yorkshire Housing Association.

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, November 13, 2002