NEW traffic arrangements for the town centre come into effect today (Thursday, October 28) as work progresses on the £5 million town-centre improvement programme.

One-way westbound traffic on Bickerstaffe Street (in front of the Prudential Buildings opposite the town hall) will continue but there will be no access to Corporation Street via the small roundabout.

All outbound traffic will leave Victoria Square via Cotham and Baldwin Street. One-way traffic northbound (Bickerstaffe Street to Corporation Street) at the front of the Central Library will reverse the current traffic flow. One-way traffic on Corporation Street eastbound at the front of the town hall will continue as at present.

All traffic (except buses and taxis) will be excluded from using Victoria Square in January, 2,000 when the improved Standish Street route will be in use improving flow of traffic around the town.

Delays will be likely and drivers are asked to take special care passing through the area, or use alternative routes if possible. The council apologises for any disruption but says current schemes are aimed at significant town-centre environmental improvements.

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