The first phase of streetscape works at Dingwall High Street has been completed in time for local businesses to welcome people to enjoy their festive shopping.

About two thirds of the High Street has been upgraded by The Highland Council's Planning and Development Service, working in conjunction with WA Fairhurst and Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd.

A second phase of works, due to commence in February 2010, will complete the face lift in the remainder of the High Street, as far as the junction with Tulloch Street.

Phase two will also see the introduction of additional street furniture along the length of the High Street and, in due course, the high quality natural stone footways will be complimented by new floral displays.

Plans for the next phase of works will be displayed in Ross House early in the New Year and will also be posted on Dingwall.org.

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Residents and businesses likely to be directly affected during phase two will receive further detailed information by post in the New Year.

During the phase two streetscape works, temporary traffic measures will be in place, but pedestrian access will be maintained to all shops, during trading hours, for the duration of the project, which is scheduled for completion at the beginning of April.

Shops and businesses will be open for business as usual during the works.

A combination of £460,000 from The Highland Council Planning and Development Service Capital Programme and £462,000 secured through the Scottish government Town Centre Regeneration Fund has enabled this major regeneration project in Dingwall. In addition to the core streetscape project, other measures will be implemented for the improvement of signage, visitor information and key vennels adjoining the High Street. The project has been further enhanced by funding from Dingwall in Bloom, LEADER and the Ward 9 Councillors' Discretionary Budget.

Throughout the project, the council is working closely with the Dingwall community through regular stakeholders' meetings.

Alison MacLeod, on behalf of the Dingwall Business Association, said: "The Dingwall Business Association are delighted with the completion of the first phase of street renovation. Feedback from the public has been excellent. Everyone seems very impressed with the quality of the work and happy with the more streamlined appearance of the street."

(GK/KMcA)