THESE images show the progress made at Worcester's Cathedral island - with council chiefs saying they are on track with the £1.9 million revamp.

In recent weeks workers have been laying the groundwork for the new-look square after flattening the roundabout.

Worcestershire County Council says the whole project is "progressing nicely" and by the end of next month it should be able to remove the current traffic restrictions to carry on working at the site without lane closures.

The iconic island, which is effectively being replaced by a turning circle to make way for a radical overhaul of the area due to be known as Cathedral Square, is virtually unrecognisable from how it appeared just weeks ago.

During the last few days kerb lines have been installed for two new, very narrow island strips, which look similar to pedestrian refuges, and will form part of the new-look highway separating both directions of traffic and allowing for turning.

Extensive drainage work has also been carried out and new tarmac laid for the emerging square's surface.

The leadership at County Hall says it also wants to thank drivers for their patience, with the current lane closures resulting in tailbacks at peak periods.

Councillor John Smith, the cabinet member for highways, said: "The Cathedral Square scheme is currently progressing nicely and is currently on time with an expected completion around the end of October.

"We are grateful for drivers and pedestrians continued patience during this time."

Next week, for three successive nights, starting on Thursday September 24 there will be part-closures in place from 8pm to 6am to finish the work at both ends to create turning facilities for the new-look highway.

The county council says access to the NCP car park and Friar Street will remain in place, but the bus stops by Elgar Statue will be shut for 12 days from the Thursday.

Passengers are being advised to board from Worcester bus station instead.

Exposed cellars belonging to the old Lich Street, which first sunk from view when the island was constructed in the 1960s, sparked an explosion of interest among the public after they re-appeared in April during an archaeological dig.

The project, set for full completion in 2016, will see a big European-style piazza created overlooked a new, refurnished Cathedral Plaza which will feature restaurants at ground level.

The project is being done alongside investors Salmon Harvester, which owns the shopping centre and submitted the planning application for the plaza's changes.