WORKS to improve Saffron Walden s Market Place area as part of an effort to enhance the historic market square, begun this week. The proposal, aimed at making the main shopping area of Market Square and car park more attractive for shoppers and visitors,

WORKS to improve Saffron Walden's Market Place area as part of an effort to enhance the historic market square, begun this week.

The proposal, aimed at making the main shopping area of Market Square and car park more attractive for shoppers and visitors, will involve laying high quality block paving to replace the existing tarmac.

The works - which will last for approximately two months - will also see the widening of the footpath in front of Eaden Lilley to give better access to pedestrians and the provision of two extra disabled parking bays in front of the library.

The scheme forms part of Essex County Council's commitment to improving town centres and making them centres of the local community which are attractive to visitors.

Cabinet member for highways and transportation, Cllr Norman Hume, said: "This scheme will help to breathe new life into a great town centre in Essex enhancing its appearance and making it more user-friendly.

"We know from feedback from our residents how important local market towns to our communities, particularly at these times of economic uncertainty, and we want to do everything we can to help our local businesses attract more shoppers.

"We have worked hard to minimise any inconvenience caused by these works and no shops will need to close because of these works, but I would apologise for any disruption in advance".

Whilst works are in progress the Tuesday and Saturday market will re-locate to the Common car park and car parking in Market Place will be suspended for the duration of the works with a road closure in effect.

The through-routes down Market Hill and along King Street will be maintained for as long as possible, although these routes will also have to be closed temporarily.

A county council spokesman said that the works have been programmed for this time of year to avoid both the build-up for Christmas and the summer tourist season.