MULTI-million pound works to transform the retail heart of Pontypool town centre and bring more jobs will start next week.

The works, which are part of a package of £10m regeneration measures planned for the town and the wider Pontypool area, will take part in three phases.

Phase one starts on Wednesday, June 6 and it is anticipated that the final phase will be completed in November.

The work will include re-paving of the area, new street lighting and street furniture, and making the area more accessible for shoppers.

Rosemary lane car park will be closed throughout the duration of the works to be used as a site compound by the contractor.

Torfaen council are currently investigating a number local alternative sites which could be opened up and used for public parking during the works and will hopefully ease the pressures of parking within the town centre.

Executive member for Neighbourhood Service, Cllr John Cunningham, said: "Staff have put a lot of work into the planning of this project that will transform Pontypool town centre.

"There will obviously be some disruption throughout a project of this scale and we will be doing everything we can to keep traders, shoppers and residents informed."

Torfaen council has received backing of £1.2 million to improve these parts of the town centre and make the town easier and safer to move around.

Leader of Torfaen council, Cllr Bob Wellington, said: "This is an exciting time in Pontypool's history.

"This project will improve the attractiveness and viability of Pontypool town centre and the surrounding areas. This will encourage new businesses to come to Pontypool which will create more jobs."

The work is part of the £10 million Pontypool Settlement Area project, supported by the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

The package includes funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Targeted Match Fund and Heads of the Valleys programme and is supported by TCBC's own resources The Torfaen council website, www.torfaen.gov.uk, will include up to the minute information.

PANEL THROUGHOUT the project drop in session for members of the public will be held in the indoor market every Wednesday between 10.30am - 1pm and Friday between 1pm - 3pm.

This will give traders, shoppers and residents the chance to raise any issues, or to view plans directly with the contractor. Alun Griffiths.