BROMSGROVE District Council has announced a series of events to mark the completion of the town's High Street.

The programme of events starts this Saturday, August 23, with the official opening.

Bromsgrove District Council’s civic head, Councillor John Ruck, and Worcestershire County Council’s chairman Councillor Pam Davey, will be cutting the ribbon outside Argos at 10.30am.

The event, running until 4pm, also includes a magician drumming group, a bouncy castle, plus a dance troupe and local acts.

The ambitious £2 million project, giving the area an extensive facelift, began in February.

The work has seen the street resurfaced and levelled with York stone and granite paving, had its historic buildings revamped, and new ornate lampposts and street furniture.

The Housman statue is now in a more central position, while the Dryad and Boar statue moved from its position outside Bromsgrove’s main post office, to the High Street's junction with Church Street last week.

Bromsgrove's market, which moved to a temporary position near ASDA during the construction work, will return to the High Street on Tuesday, September 2.

District councillor Michael Webb, whose portfolio covers economic development, said: “The High Street looks absolutely brilliant and I am delighted that we are marking the completion of this mammoth project with a feast of fun for everyone to enjoy.

“Of course you can’t make a tasty omelette without breaking a few eggs and I would like to thank businesses and residents for bearing with us and the county council, during the works.

"The results speak for themselves.

“The High Street regeneration is just one part of our plans to boost the economy of Bromsgrove and joins the completed projects of the health centre and the blue light development – and there’s more to come including Parkside and news of a high profile retailer coming to town."

Councillor Anthony Blagg from Worcestershire County Council said: "The regeneration of Bromsgrove town centre will really help to boost local business and local footfall to the area.

"The county council has worked hard with Bromsgrove District Council and its partners to really make a difference to the face of Bromsgrove and make the town centre into the community hub."

The main event is being followed by five more themed events each Saturday from 10.30am until 4pm, up to and including September 20.

Each week sees a different theme including sport and leisure, food and drink, a heritage day and arts and crafts.

• On Friday, August 22, residents are being invited to celebrate the anniversary of one of the first projects to be completed as part of the regeneration of Bromsgrove.

The Changing Places toilet facility launched in 2009. Designed with users’ needs in mind, the facility includes technology and design features such as a changing couch, ceiling hoist, extra space for wheelchair turns and waste disposal facilities.

Cllr Rick will be attending the event on the green near the facility and bus station, which includes displays, craft stalls, garden produce, plant sales, and information on local services.

MENCAP, Amber Support Services, Greenscope, Royal Voluntary Services, BURT, Lifeline and Shopmobility will be represented at the event.

Councillor Rita Dent, cabinet member for the town centre, said: “This event does not only commend the five year anniversary of this fantastic facility, it will also celebrate the wonderful diversity of Bromsgrove.”

For more details about Bromsgrove's regeneration visit betterbromsgrove.com.