The first phase of a £2.65 million redevelopment scheme in Tonbridge High Street is set to begin this week.

Pavements will be widened, the road surface relaid and a 20mph speed limit enforced in the town centre. A range of other improvements will also be made between the Vale Road Roundabout to the Big Bridge.

The project - which is being delivered by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) and Kent County Council (KCC) - aims to enhance the town's main shopping area and boost local economy.

Phase 1 of work - which began on Monday - will start at the vale Road Roundabout and progress along the western side of the high Street and then return on the eastern side.

It's thought this phase will be completed April, 11, 2016.

While construction is taking place the High Street will be one way Northbound between Vale Road and Bordyke.

Southbound traffic will be diverted via Bordyke, Hadlow Road, Cannon Lane and Vale Road.

The council said it hopes to cause as little disruption to businesses and residents as possible.

Commencement of work follows ongoing public consultation since October 2014. Council officials visited more than 100 organisations affected by the proposed scheme.

This week a leaflet was sent to 400 local businesses and residents working and living nearby outlining phase 1 details. Further informaiton is available from Tonbridge Gateway and the town’s library.

Matthew Balfour, KCC Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said, “We are excited to be moving ahead with this work which will give Tonbridge a first class High Street infrastructure and support its ongoing regeneration.

"As well as a more welcoming look, it will be a lot more pedestrian friendly, with less congestion and improved air quality.

“Starting work is a real milestone following months of preparation, working together with Tonbridge residents and businesses. We’ll continue to keep those affected updated throughout and we will aim to cause as little disruption to businesses and residents as we can.”

Work will temporarily cease between November, 22, 2015 and January, 3, 2016 inclusive in order to minimise the effect on local businesses in the Christmas shopping period and to allow the Christmas Festival to proceed unimpeded.