A MAJOR scheme costing more than £1million has been drawn up in an attempt to improve the town centre around Church Green, writes Becky Procter.

A bid will be submitted to Worcestershire County Council through the Local Transport Plan and Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield have put £60,000 towards the project.

The scheme has been split into four proposals covering Church Green West, Church Green East, Market Place and Alcester Street.

And if the bid, being spearheaded by Redditch Council, is successful, the money will become available for work to begin on-site next year and more detailed schemes will be drawn up this year.

A total of £270,000 has been earmarked for Church Green West, £230,000 for Church Green East, £220,000 for Market Place and £355,000 for Alcester Street.

Pedestrian areas are all set to be relaid in natural stone slabs, all unnecessary street furniture will be removed, the stepped area outside the library will be removed and new street lighting will be installed.

The proposals are set to be agreed by councillors on the public and environmental services committee next Tuesday.