The final phase of the enhancement of Barnstaple town centre riverfront will get underway next month.

Following the completion of the Square before Christmas, improvements to the recently pedestrianised Strand will start on Monday 4 February.

The final phase of the £1.75m town centre scheme, funded by Devon County Council and North Devon Council, will see the provision of wider footpaths and a narrow roadway.

Granite strips and kerbing to match those on the Square will be used, creating a flush system surface between the road and footpaths.

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Since the opening of the Western Bypass the road has been closed to traffic between 10am and 6pm daily.

The enhancement will include refurbishment of listed street lighting with additional lighting to match the existing style. A wall separating the roadway and the riverfront has already been removed; footpaths will be widened and a line of cherry trees with surface mounted blue up lighting will take its place.

Some hard surfaces around the sunken quay of Queen Anne Buildings are to be landscaped with plants and lawn areas. Both councils are working closely to recycle and re-use existing materials such as stone paving and granite kerbs and stainless fencing and seating.

The works are being carried out by South West Highways Ltd and are due to be completed by the end of April.

(JM)