THE highly anticipated but heavily delayed construction of Bromsgrove’s new-look High Street is set to get underway in January.

The £2 million funding for the town centre regeneration was first agreed by the district council and Worcestershire County Council in 2010.

Although various preparatory work has been carried out, members of Bromsgrove District Council’s overview and scrutiny board - frustrated by the delays - requested an update.

At the board’s latest meeting, held yesterday, (September 16), town centre regeneration programme manager Richard Savory gave a presentation.

Mr Savory reported that improvements to High Street lighting will be taking place this month, followed by work to improve drainage.

The High Street revamp, described as a major reconstruction project and set to feature a main resurfaced walkway, new trees replacing those felled last year and a new square around the Housman statue, begins in January following a pause in work for Christmas.

Public realm work near ASDA has already begun while work on improving Clegg's Entry - the ancient church way connecting High Street with Crown Close - starts today.

It was also revealed the resurfacing of Worcester Road has been earmarked for October or November.

Members took the opportunity to question Mr Savory over the resurfacing of the bottom end of High Street on its corner with Market Place, which took place earlier this year.

Members voiced disapproval of the slabs unevenness and colour. Mr Savory said slabs will be cleaned and sealed, while the colour was chosen after being favoured in public consultations. He said the same colour would not be used in High Street.

Also discussed was the banning of vehicles from using High Street during prohibited hours.

Mr Savory said the plan was to enforce the regulations by introducing gates at either end of High Street.

Councillor Rory Shannon suggested writing to traders to inform them of the plan but Councillor Del Booth, whose portfolio includes town centre regeneration, said it would be better to do this after the scheme had been finalised.

Mr Savory’s presentation also reported that

• Negotiations were still ongoing with the preferred developer for the former Market Hall site including George House.

• That Sainsbury’s had shown its commitment to building the new Birmingham Road store in beginning work on its new petrol station last week. He added the store would not open until the Parkside junction improvements - being funded by Sainsbury’s - had been completed.

•A developer is preparing a planning application for a care retirement home in Recreation Road, and the authority hopes to secure a section 106 agreement with them to pay for a Recreation Ground revamp.

• The popular Christmas lights, used last year, will be returning this festive season.