PLANS for revamping the centre of Newent are forging ahead.

Newent Town Council has given approval to Forest of Dean District Council and Gloucestershire County Council to start work to complete phases two and three of improvement work.

The final part of the second phase of town centre plans involves improvements to the bus stop area in front of Gooch's Estate Agents and Parkers DIY store.

The area has been newly designed following public concerns about highway safety in the original plans that were raised at an earlier information share event.

The third phase of development is to improve footpaths in the town centre on both sides of the road between the Market Square and the library.

Work will also be done to improve the lighting around the zebra crossing near the library. Existing lighting columns will be extended and painted black with additional down lights added to improve pedestrian safety. The wall mounted traditional lamp at this location will be retained and resited.

Work should take between 12 and 16 weeks depending on the weather.

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, leader and cabinet member for regeneration at the Forest of Dean District Council, said: "We are really pleased to be working with the County Council with the support of Newent Town Council for this work.

"It's good we are able to keep up the pace with the delivery of these improvements for Newent town centre. It's all part of a rolling programme of work for Newent with money that we've already secured for the town. Once these works are complete we will move to phase four which will focus on improving the footpaths in Church Street."

Cllr Len Lawton, district councillor for Newent Central, said: "This is a really good thing for Newent. The town and community will benefit greatly in the long term from these improvements."

Cllr Julia Gooch, district councillor for Newent Central added: "I am looking forward to seeing the finished town centre improvements. It is welcoming that those who are involved in the planning listen and make amendments before the work is completed.

"If the improvements had not been made Newent town centre would soon have a downward spiral and that would have a knock-on effect for property prices, visitors and business.

"If anyone doubts that the work is an improvement on what existed before take a look along Church Street – I hope that this section of town can be completed soon."