Rushden residents will soon begin to see a difference to the High Street as work on the improvements moves into gear. The first stage of preparation and surveying where all utilities are located is complete and the real work can now begin.
Contractor MGSWP is currently excavating the left hand side of the footway from the south end of the High Street and will be laying new more attractive paving shortly. The team will then move on to the other side of the High Street in this section and complete the path before re-surfacing the road. The workmen will also move on to the 2nd phase by the Church on 14 February.
Please note that access to all businesses will be maintained during this work.
Councillor Steven North, Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, says:
"There will inevitably be some disruption, but the contractor is doing all it can to minimise this, and the end result, an improved High Street, will be worth it.
MGWSP, the contractor, holds regular meetings with the traders to iron out any difficulties, and we've already extensively publicised that businesses are still trading, both through Nene Valley News and the Evening Telegraph.
A banner will be put up across the High Street by Rushden Town Council to remind people that businesses are still open. The contractor's diversion signs which are in place are also being made clearer, which should help.
The High Street also has ample free car parking nearby, so people can still support their local traders while this work goes on."
Rebecca Miller from MGWSP Northamptonshire Highways adds:
"As Steven says, it was critical in the first week that we survey the whole area before bringing in heavy equipment and excavating, for the safety of the public and our workforce. With this now done progress is good and we are on schedule for the first phase of new paths and road surface to be completed in the 10 week slot.
We work in phases to ensure we keep access for pedestrians, deliveries and vehicles. We are working with the traders and shoppers can still access the High Street in various ways including going down Coffee Tavern Lane.
There is a good range of shops on the High Street and it is very much business as usual. With the added benefit of free local parking we hope to see even more people coming to see what Rushden has to offer."
Trader Richard Wills of Bags & Co commented:
"Trading may be difficult during the work, but this will be a catalyst for a better Rushden and generate more interest in the town."
Sally Graham of Kinlochs Bakery adds:
"We would like everyone to know that pedestrians and vehicles can still access the High Street and it is business as usual."
If people have any difficulties please contact Rebecca on 07500 579 305.
For more details on the project visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/rushdenhighstimprovements, the Evening Telegraph office or the Rushden Centre.
An award of £700,000 of government Growth Funding has been granted to East Northamptonshire Council for the project, which will come through North Northants Development Company (NNDC) in conjunction with Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited. East Northamptonshire Council is also making available £785,000 from its reserves in support funding to enable the project to go ahead.