Works to improve Beith Main Street are set to get underway next month following talks with local residents and businesses.

Last year, locals were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing their views on the Main Street.

Their feedback has been used to shape the works, which are expected to start next month and will take six weeks to complete.

The project aims to improve the streetscape of the town centre by resurfacing the central carriageway, replacing paving and street furniture and reinstalling road markings. It is being supported by the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund.

Feedback from the community has allowed the plans to be altered so that they balance the need for an attractive area alongside the unique challenges of access to businesses, as most properties cannot be entered from the rear.

The design has therefore been revised to help reduce the anticipated construction time and limit the impact

on local businesses and residents.

It includes a central carriageway in black asphalt, areas adjacent to the buildings and pavements in black asphalt with red chippings, feature areas using tegula blocks, replacement bins, benches and bollards and new disabled parking bays

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for green new deal and sustainability, said: “We would like to thank everyone that completed the survey.

“Your feedback has allowed us to finalise a design for Beith Main Street which is centred on the needs of local businesses and residents.

“After all, we are conscious that local businesses continue to struggle with the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions so, while regeneration works will make a much needed and welcome improvement to

Main Street and attract more footfall to the area, it was

vital to us that we plan them carefully to minimise any inconvenience.”

Traffic marshals will be in attendance for the duration of the works. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

During the works, no vehicle access will be permitted other than for deliveries. If delivery vehicles are unable to park at either end of the street and unload, they will be guided in and out by traffic marshals. Once the works have been completed, the existing access arrangements will resume.