Work starts on second stage of Stockton Council's £500,000 investment in Yarm

Improvements north of town hall completed with focus now turning to the south :: Investment has so far not been to everyone's taste

The second stage of work to enhance Yarm town centre is under way.

A number of improvements are being made as part of Stockton Council’s £500,000 investment in the high street.

Works began in April and this week all of the improvements north of the town hall were completed.

The investment has so far not been to everyone’s taste.

Last month protesters greeted workmen with placards as work began on removing a section of Yarm’s historic cobbles - likening the move to “vandalism”.

But the council said the cobbles were in a poor state and needed regular replacement due to extensive damage caused by high levels of traffic.

The focus will now turn to south of the town hall and as a result Central Street will be closed on Sundays between June 8 and July 6 so the area between the high street and the entrance to Central Street can be paved.

The Pelican crossing at the south side of the town hall will also be closed so a temporary crossing point will be positioned north of the town hall and the bus stop near the Black Bull will be temporarily relocated further south, near the Lotus Lounge.

The work includes improving access to the town hall, disabled toilet and war memorial by paving the area around the town hall.

Stockton Council's Cabinet member for regeneration and transport Councillor Mike Smith said: “All of the works are sympathetic to the high street’s unique character and attractive environment.

He said: “There will inevitably be some disruption but we will do all that we can to keep it to a minimum.”

The council hopes the work will be finished in time for the town’s First World War commemorations in August.

For more information on the work in Yarm visit http://ift.tt/1o4KSAl.