Nine trial holes are to be dug ahead of major work next year
SECTIONS of a road in Shepshed town centre will be reduced to single-lane traffic as preparation works take place ahead of a major improvement scheme next year.
Nine trial holes are to be dug on Market Place, to identify what existing utility services are located underground in the area, with temporary bollards to be placed around the works.
Charnwood Borough Council said residents and local businesses will experience a “small amount of disruption” as the preparatory works take place.
The roadworks are needed ahead of the £1.2 million Shepshed Town Centre project, which is set to begin in 2022, which will redesign Market Place, Bull Ring, Hall Croft and Field Street to make the area more attractive to shoppers.
Pedestrian routes will be improved with new planters, trees and seating to be installed.
A large open space will be created for hosting the market and special events in Market Place and the pedestrian crossing on Brooke Street will be relocated to provide a safer route to shops.
Additional car and cycle parking will also be installed, along with a new bus shelter in Bull Ring.
Last year, the borough council held a public consultation on the proposals for the town centre improvement project.
In response to the comments made during the consultation, the council has revised the proposals in Market Place, including the creation of an additional five parking spaces in the completed scheme.
The current parking bays in Cheapside will be unaffected by the upgrades to the area.
The preparatory works will take place from Monday, August 9 and Friday, August 20.
More information about the project is available on the Charnwood Borough Council website.