The Highland Council has said work will begin on Monday 14 October at Helmsdale's Bridgend Car Park.

The authority's Planning and Development Service has appointed contractors John Gunn & Sons Ltd. to carry out £76,000 of resurfacing and environmental improvement works at the site.

As a result, the car park will be closed for a duration of the project and temporary traffic measures may be implements on the adjacent road. Working hours will generally be from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. It is intended to keep the public toilets open throughout the renovation works, but there may be restricted access.

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The works are the second phase of a package of environmental improvement works which are being funded through the Highland Council's Planning & Development capital programme, which aims to provide quality public space and visitor reception facilities.

The first phase of the scheme was recently completed and saw village map bards, visitor information panels ad anew community notice board installed at various locations around the village of Helmsdale. A new path was also installed at Coupar Park, in order to allow everyone access to the Emigrant's Statue, along with new seating and picnic benches.

Local Councillor Deirdre Mackay said: "We have purposely timed this second phase of work to take place out with the main tourist season in order to cause as little disruption to locals and visitors as possible and I am sure people will be understanding.

"Bridgend car park is in a prominent location so sprucing it up will make a noticeable difference and will nicely complement the other improvements which have been very well received."

The works are being overseen by The Highland Council's consultant engineers, Grontmij.

(JP/CD)