COUNCILLORS have given the green light to detailed plans for major improvements to key streets in St Helens town centre.

Members of the council's Highways and Transportation sub-committee approved the proposals for what they believe is ope of the North West's most ambitious town-centre regeneration projects.

First scheme off the drawing board is for improvements in Ormskirk Street, Bridge Street, Milk Street and Brook Street.

An innovative scheme giving priority to public transport while improving the area for pedestrian use, it will feature a narrow bus lane along the centre of Ormskirk Street and Bridge Street between Cotham Street to Exchange Street; a substantially wider area for pedestrians; comprehensive repaving in attractive modern materials; high-quality street lighting, seating areas; and tree planting.

Detailed scheme plans are now available and will be on display in the Central Library, Victoria Square from April 14 to 25.

Work on these schemes, which form part of the council's successful Capital Challenge Programme, is expected to start in early autumn. Further work will follow in Westfield Street and Victoria Square.

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