A MILLION pound facelift for Abergavenny is set to revitalise the market town and enhance its already substantial attractions.

Monmouthshire council has committed £1 million to rejuvenate the pedestrianised area of High Street and Nevill Street while St John's Square will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly open space designed to host various events staged in the town.

The programme of works has been developed in close consultation with representatives from Abergavenny Town Team, as well as county and town councillors.

The most significant change will be in St John`s Square where the road will be narrowed to allow more space for pedestrians, seating and hosting events.

The whole area has been designed as a pedestrian-friendly zone. The council said it is a priority to ensure disabled and visually impaired people can move around as easily as possible.

Locally-sourced Welsh penant paving has been carefully selected to enhance the character of this the town. Abergavenny construction company Alun Griffiths has been appointed by the county council to carry out the works scheduled to commence in mid-February and completed before the National Eisteddfod comes to the town in August.

County Councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member for operations, said: “The council`s investment is going to transform the centre of Abergavenny and give a major boost to an area rich in culture and natural beauty. Local people, traders and visitors will benefit and I am delighted that the work will begin very soon.”

Cllr Maureen Powell, mayor of Abergavenny, said: "It should make a tremendous difference to the town. At the moment it isn't very good for anybody walking on an uneven surface especially elderly people or little kiddies."

Further information is available on the council’s website and an ongoing public display and information bureau at the Alun Griffiths office in Nevill Street will be open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from mid-February.