The regeneration of Lydney Harbour will be a step closer if Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet agrees a £1.5million deal with Forest of Dean District Council.

The pre-Christmas meeting of the cabinet will be asked to approve a £1.5million transfer from the county's coffers into the Forest of Dean Council accounts.

The money will be earmarked for a highways improvement project around Lydney Docks and Harbour, which will enable ambitious plans for the area to become reality.

Earlier this year, Punchline reported that £2million from a central government Coastal Communities Fund had been given to the Destination Lydney Harbour project.

That cash was earmarked to "create safe, attractive transport routes into the harbour and develop the area as a recreation and tourism destination."

Punchline also reported in May that the Severn and Wye Smokery had submitted plans to build a 3,800 square metre Eel Farm and tourist attraction near to the Harbour.

The latest set of highways improvement money adds to that and will be used to resurface Harbour Road and create a new footway with improved lighting.

Additional parking at Cookson Terrace and Railway Terrace will also be added to free space on Harbour Road, whole a cycle track is also part of the plan.

Cllr Vernon Smith, county council cabinet member for highways, said: "The regeneration of Lydney Harbour will benefit residents and businesses, as well as boost the local economy.

"The highways improvements will be an important part of that work and we're delighted to be involved with the project."

Cllr Alan Preest, county councillor for Lydney, said: "The investment into our town and harbour is fantastic news for the local community.

"There are a number of exciting projects planned that will really put Lydney on the map and make it an even more enjoyable place to live, work and visit."

Other projects led by the Lydney Coastal Community Team that will be completed as part of 'Destination Lydney Harbour' include new public toilets, a heritage information point, a public art installation and an arts-based walking trail, and a new café.

If approved, public events will be held in 2020 to share large scale plans and graphics of what the harbour will look like and to give residents and businesses the chance for feedback.

Work would begin in September 2020 and finish by March 2021.