Part of a high street will be shut off for six weeks from Monday as contractors replace uneven cobbles with black tarmac.

Ashford's Lower High Street will be closed between the junctions for North Street and Wellesley Road, with market traders who usually set up in the able to pitch their stalls in Middle Row instead.

The work forms part of a £600,000 project by Kent County Council to improve the “look and feel” of the town centre, as well as “enhancing” safety for pedestrians.

Bosses say the road will be closed throughout but pavements will stay open so people can still access businesses in the area.

The work will see the existing cobble surface removed and drainage kerbs and gullies installed before a new surface is laid.

Contractors will then reset, repair and re-grout the areas of Yorkstone, replace missing bollards and address areas where tree roots have caused significant damage.

KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, David Brazier (Con), says once the work is done, the area will be more resistant to damage and more accessible.

"I am pleased that by working collaboratively with Ashford Borough Council, we will be able to maximise the advantage we have in completing roadworks in the area to minimise disruption as far as possible," he said.

"It is important that we minimise disruption as far as possible so, while we had planned to complete these works in the years to come anyway, we have a golden opportunity to take advantage of being in the area.

"I would like to thank local businesses for their patience while we continue to carry out this work."

Ashford Borough Council leader, Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con), said: “The improvements will lead to a nicer, safer and easier to maintain public realm in the town centre and will add to the recent upgrade to parts of the 'Shared Space' area.

“I would like to express my thanks to KCC members and officers who have worked closely with ABC officers and Cllr Bill Barrett and Cllr Peter Feacey, to find a way to bring these improvements forward.”

First introduced to the Lower High Street in 1999, numerous complaints have been raised about the cobbles over the years, with some shoppers saying they deter disabled people from the town centre.

But when the idea for them to be replaced with tarmac came about, some felt it would take away some of the town's identity and others said tarmac would encourage e-scooters and skateboarders.

Roadworks have been under way since November 1 to improve Ashford's 'Shared Space'.

The whole £600,000 project is set to be complete by spring this year.