Plans to invest £5.5m in an Edinburgh Street have "prompted a lot of debate", the City of Edinburgh Council said.

The council announced yesterday that plans for Leith Walk included road resurfacing, environmental improvements and the reinstallation of art work that had been removed to accommodate tram works.

But following concerns about how the works would disrupt residents of the area for up to 18 months, the council has said there will still be a chance for the public to shape how the money is spent.

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Jim Orr, vice-convener of the council's Transport committee, said: "We are absolutely determined to deliver these improvements in a way that gives the greatest benefit to the people of Leith while minimising any disruption.

"The businesses, residents and road users of all kinds in Leith can rest assured that there is still much to be decided in how we best use these valuable funds to create a better Leith for the benefit of everyone in the community."

The work will start in September if plans are approved on Tuesday.

Funding has come from the tram project budget (£2.3m) and Edinburgh City Council's efficiencies programme (£3.2m).

Transport convener Lesley Hinds said: "This is the kind of boost that this important route needs and a vital investment in the area's future.

"We will continue to meet with members of the local community to make sure that our plans meet with their expectations and we will work with them to reduce disruption as far as possible."

(NE)