As part of an ongoing project to preserve Cheltenham's unique heritage and character, the borough council is working with the county council to refresh the public space along parts of the town's High Street.

£725,000 of public funding has been earmarked to deliver improvements to the pedestrian spaces between Winchcombe Street and Bath Road, with the first phase programmed for completion in autumn 2018.

This important project for local businesses will see the pavements improved and new street furniture along parts of the High Street. This work comes as part of a bigger project to refresh Cheltenham High Street and the public realm.

Cheltenham Borough Council expects to make plans publically available later this year after more detailed cost checking has been carried out. Work will start once construction works in the area are completed.

Cllr Vernon Smith, county council cabinet member for highways and flood, said: "We know how important the look of Cheltenham is to the local businesses that are so vital to the town. That's why, as nearby construction work comes to an end, we're investing in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, to give this key shopping street the make-over it deserves."

Cllr Klara Sudbury, county councillor for Charlton Park and College, said: "The pavements on this section of Cheltenham High Street are in need of some TLC so I'm pleased that our two councils are working together in this proactive approach. Decent, safe pavements are essential and attractive paving contributes so much to the way the area looks. It's great that this new phase of work is being planned and I look forward to it being completed."

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, Cheltenham cabinet member for development, said "This project is a great opportunity to demonstrate how partnership working can make real improvements to key public spaces in the Cheltenham, helping to support inward investment and creating great places for residents and visitors to enjoy."

Punchline says: "This is great news for Cheltenham and for businesses but do we really need three councillors quoted on one press release - we wonder how long this would have taken to get signed off? The big question is how many does it take to change a light bulb?"

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Picture credit: Helen Iwanczuk