The second phase of environmental improvements scheduled for Wishaw town centre are to commence on 6 January 2014, it has been confirmed.

Phase One of the project saw carried out on Main Street, while this new phase will see work undertaken on the East Cross, Stewarton Street, Caledonian Road, Kirk Road and lower Main Street, and the West Cross areas.

North Lanarkshire Council have appointed MacLay Civil Engineering Ltd to carry out the work which will include creating wider pavements, parking bays, new street furniture and lighting, removing the high step between the road and pavements, and resurfacing the road.

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Construction will be undertaken in separate work areas to keep disruptions to locals at a minimum.

The first work area will be East Cross and will be followed by Stewarton Street. Work is scheduled to be completed here by May 2014.

Work on the entire second phase is scheduled to be completed by March 2015.

Commenting on the project, Councillor James Coyle, Convener of the Planning and Transportation Committee, said: "Earlier this year the council approved a further £3.5 million of investment in Wishaw town centre for phase 2 of the streetscape project and other public realm works, and I'm delighted this is now moving ahead so quickly.

"This will deliver more improvements for the town which will benefit retailers, residents, shoppers and visitors, helping to give the town centre a viable future.

"We appreciate this project will mean disruption for people using the town centre, but the council and our contractor will make every effort to keep this to a minimum. We will continue to communicate with residents and businesses as the work progresses and work to meet their needs throughout."

(JP/MH)