Work to enhance Tonbridge’s main shopping area re-started this week following a break over Christmas.

The £2.65m regeneration project, which is set to transform the town centre, has fallen behind schedule but bosses say they hope to catch up.

Extra teams of workers have been brought in to address concerns and will progress along the High Street's east side, starting at Vale Road.

Avebury Avenue is currently one-way from the High Street towards River Lawn Road and will remain this way for a week to allow new connections into the existing drainage system.

Bosses say access to businesses along the route will remain unaffected throughout and they hope to complete the first stage by April.

Improvements are also due to begin taking place place at the north end of the High Street between HSBC bank and The Humphrey Bean.

Widening of pavements, improvements to the road surface, establishing a 20mph zone and designated delivery areas for businesses are all included in the scheme.

An extension of the temporary one-way section of the High Street - to include Medway Wharf Road – came into play at the end of last year to allow new utility connections for a private development at Bradford Street.

The regeneration project is being delivered by Kent County Council and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

“We want to make it clear that it’s ‘business as usual’ on the High Street" - Jamie Watson

Jamie Watson, programme manager for Kent County Council’s Highways team, said: “We are pleased to be fulfilling our commitment to transforming the High Street; increasing its appeal by being more pedestrian friendly, with less congestion and improved air quality.

“We want to make it clear that it’s ‘business as usual’ on the High Street and take this opportunity to thank people for supporting the shops and being patient while work takes place.

“We left the High Street in a good state in time for the Christmas Festival and were pleased to understand from traders that shoppers were encouraged into the High Street during the festive period.”

High Street traders have remained open for business throughout the project, which halted over Christmas to ensure work did not impact on festive trading.

For more information and to submit feedback, click here or for specific queries call Kent County Council on 03000 418181.