A £1.25 million revamp of Worcester's Shambles has been given the go-ahead by council chiefs.

Worcester City Council's Labour leadership has voted through the significant overhaul, saying it wants the route's tired appearance to finally match up to the impressive High Street.

The Shambles will now get brand new resurfacing, litter bins, improved positioning for the seating areas and clearer linage between the pedestrian areas and loading bays.

The decision-making cabinet met at the Guildhall this week to agree a £400,000 investment into the street, which will be added to £800,000 of county council cash.

Councillor Geoff Williams, the city council's cabinet member for economic prosperity and growth, said: "This is the next phase of a £4.3 million investment into public realm improvements across the city centre.

"The aim here will be to improve the quality and design of The Shambles - it will be done in the same style as Angel Place, Broad Street and the High Street."

Councillor Joy Squires, the council's deputy leader, said it was about "making the street more attractive".

She added: "In all sorts of ways, this will be an important project for the city as a whole."

The historic street has fallen behind the rest of the city centre as record sums have been lavished on resurfacing works, particularly in the High Street.

The £400,000 city council contribution is coming from a fund called the 'New Homes Bonus' - an extra Government grant in return for allowing new property developments to go ahead.

The cost of upgrading The Shambles to the desired standard is estimated at £1.25 million, but the city council's sum is 'capped' at £400,000 so if the bill spills over, the authority will pay no more towards it.

Worcester News:

Tory-run Worcestershire County Council's £800,000 contribution is part of a £2 million fund to upgrade town centres, with the rest being split between Malvern and Tenbury.

Retailers and shoppers in The Shambles have already welcomed the spending, saying it is well overdue.

Once the revamp work is done, the next city centre investment will focus on Lower Broad Street, with the road expected to be slightly realigned.