THE council’s door is always open.
This is the message from deputy leader of Wellingborough Council, Cllr Paul Bell when talking about the improvement work set to start in Market Street, in the town.
Work improving this area of Wellingborough starts on September 27, and will continue up until mid-November.
This is to allow traders to have a clear six-week period in the run up to Christmas to ensure their trade is not hit by the work.
After Christmas the work will continue.
Cllr Bell said a number of lessons have been learnt from the ongoing improvement work which is taking place on Sheep Street/Silver Street.
Cllr Bell said: “What we have learnt from Sheep Street/Silver Street was a learning curve.
“We needed to get across to people that the area was open and it was business as usual.
“With the traders we learnt there had been a break down in communication.
“But we listened to every issue and these have been addressed and we now meet regularly with the traders and have built up good relations.”
A circus-themed party, organized by the borough council and highways contractors MGWSP with support from the Town Centre Partnership, will be held in the street to celebrate the completion of the work.
Chairman of the development committee, Cllr Graham Lawman said: “I insisted right from the start we consulted the traders in Market Street on every issue.
“They have been told about the traffic flow and what would happen about deliveries. “With the scheme, they know what order they will be done in and have shown them the traffic flows.
“What is happening is Cambridge Street will be reversed and you will be able to drive up Midland Road and turn around.”
While the workmen are on a break from Market Street, they will work on another council project, to put in new play facilities in Croyland Gardens.
