SIX weeks of work have started to repave a street in Newent town centre.

Church Street is to have new pavements from its junction with Broad Street to St Marys Church.

There will be a rolling programme along the street to minimise the disruption for residents although a one-week road closure is needed from November 14. A diversion route will be advertised nearer the time.

As well as the pavement improvements, work will be done to include a new informal crossing facility and improvements to the existing zebra crossing.

Newent town councillors, David Blick and Roger Beard, said the town council is delighted the works are underway, after efforts over several years.

Patrick Molyneux, lea­der of the Forest of Dean District Council, said: “The new pavements and crossing facilities are the final stage of the improvement works in the town, funded by money secured through the planning process from the private sector. 

“We acknowledge that while the works take place there will be some disruption but we know the results will be extremely beneficial to residents and visitors to the town.”

Throughout most of the works, Church Street will remain open to vehicles and will be managed by temporary traffic signals. Existing on-street parking in Church Street has been suspended to allow the work to be carried out safely. Access to shops and businesses will be maintained, with extra signage to show they are open as usual and to direct people to existing public car parks.