AN EIGHT-week project refreshing the High Street scene in Gillingham is ready to begin.

As part of the town’s £3million ongoing transformation, from tomorrow, February 1, Dorset Highways will be carrying out daytime works to improve the pavement conditions in the area.

Works will address foot-ways on both sides of the road from Newbury up to the Post Office, where the existing paving will be removed and prepared for an imprinted paving effect, like the work already carried out on Station Road, pictured above.

The pavement on School Road will also be resurfaced between High Street and the primary school. Two-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation during these works.

Enhancements will also take place nightly from March 15, including further resurfacing along the High Street. For three weeks the road will be closed to vehicles every weeknight, from 8pm until 6am.

These works are being funded by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Government’s Local Growth Fund, in a bid to support economic growth by improving the town centre environment.

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said this makeover will make the High Street “more inviting for residents”, adding: “These enhancements will help make walking and cycling a safer and more attractive option for many people, for trips into town, for leisure and for school children.”