Works commenced last Saturday (October 16), which include the removal of seven trees, re-laying of the footpath as well as refurbishment to the entrance of the library.

Kempsey Shire Council general manager, Craig Milburn, spoke with the Argus about the project.

"The trees have been causing problems with the footpaths for quite a few years, and we have actually had a number of incident reports where we've had customers fall over," Mr Milburn said.

"In addition to that, they are also impacting the infrastructure of the library itself. It has actually crushed the sewer pipes, damaged and blocked the storm water lines, damaged the copper water main and pipe work that serves the library toilets, so they are causing major issues for us."

The council made an application for the removal of the trees in July, and then once granted on September 10, advertised the plans to the public for 28 days.

"It's been a long term issue. It's tied directly to the upgrade of the library and there will be some new plantings put in place, but they will be more appropriate and aren't going to damage the streetscaping or the infrastructure," Mr Milburn said.

"We have worked with two architects in regards to the renovation and design of the library, and the visual connection from Elbow Street to the library is really important, the trees at the moment stop any visual connection to the building, so opening it up is a really important element of what we are trying to do."

Two of the trees being removed are Red Cedar, but Mr Milburn explained that there are plans for them to be repurposed.

"We have made arrangements to actually salvage some of that cedar for some local people we are working with, so our community partnerships team are in discussions with some groups about how they might be able to use the salvaged timber," Mr Milburn said.

"We ask the community to be understanding of it, we 've gone through the proper processes, and the thing to look forward to is really the upgraded library."