Work will start next week on a major improvement scheme for the Eastgate area of Chichester.

The aim of the £600,000 project - including new pavements, seating areas and tree planting - is to improve the general street scene and make the area more pedestrian friendly.

The scheme also includes alterations to the road alignment at the end of East Street to create more space for pedestrians, and upgraded signal controlled crossings in The Hornet and Market Avenue.

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The new paving will be in York stone, which the design team says will give the area a lighter look, and the old slabs will be recycled or reused elsewhere.

The cost of the scheme is being met from developer contributions after recent housing schemes in the Eastgate area.

West Sussex County Councillor Martin Daws-Chew, Chairman of South Chichester County Local Committee, said the scheme is designed to improve one of the city's busiest gateways.

He said: "The aim is to create a much more welcoming environment in this important part of historic Chichester, and provide as much room for pedestrians as possible."

Work will start on Monday, March 10, and the scheme is due to be completed by the middle of June. The main contractors are West Sussex highways service providers May Gurney.

(CD/JM)