Maclay Civil Engineering has started work on a £1.7 million public realm improvement project in Falkirk.

The contractor will carry out works to improve the historic town centre as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund's (HLF) Falkirk Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)

The year-long project is beginning in the Cow Wynd with the introduction of improved heritage footpaths and road resurfacing.

Other highlights include;

• Repair and restoration of town centre's historic wynds and closes

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• Resurfacing streets and footpaths incorporating historic traditional materials and interpretation carvings reflecting the rich history of the town centre

• Improvements to lighting

• Restoration of statues

The Falkirk THI is jointly funded by HLF, Historic Environment Scotland, Falkirk Council and supported by Falkirk Environment Trust. Between 2013 and 2018, a total of £5.5m will have been invested in the town centre.

Pete Reid, Falkirk Council's Growth and Investment Manager said: "Falkirk is really benefitting from the improvements being made over the past few years and this new work helps to improve the appearance of the historic town centre.

"The work will make a difference to local residents and visitors alike and will see a wide range of improvements made and we aim to keep the disruption and road closures to an absolute minimum as contractors carry out the work.

"When completed, more than £5.5m will have been invested in Falkirk's town centre."

(LM/MH)