A £1.57M town high street upgrade got under way last week as the first stage of a proposed £10m regeneration programme.

The first part of the project will see a new road surface laid and historic shop fronts renovated and painted in the Cross area of Caldicot.

New bus shelters will also be installed, alongside benches, tree planting and improved lighting, with the work expected to take 30 weeks.

The renovation is being funded by Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Government.

County councillor Jane Pratt, council Cabinet member for operations, said: “The work will enable the town to become a vastly improved and more connected space, promoting businesses and encouraging visitors and residents to use the town.

“Disturbance will be kept to a minimum and I urge residents to continue to visit the town while work is going on.”

Aaron Reeks, director of Caldicot Town Team, said they were “very pleased” work was starting, but would have liked to see the pedestrianised shopping area improved first.

“I think that would have more impact on businesses and customers than the Cross on its own,” he said.

“However, we’re well aware they have to start somewhere, and I’m very impressed with how the Cross is going to look once it’s completed.

“It will provide a more upmarket ambience to the town, which I think Caldicot needs and deserves.”

The overarching aim of the upgrade is to try and promote different facets of the town centre.

It will focus on local produce, small enterprises, dining and entertaining, and a balanced daytime-night time economy.

The project will cause some disruption in the Cross area, the council has warned residents and businesses .