WORK to regenerate Brierley Hill High Street has been gathering pace with new pavements laid, bus shelters installed and plans ploughing ahead to reduce the speed limit to 20mph.

Dudley Council hopes the work will help to increase footfall in the town and make the town centre more attractive and welcoming.

Council bosses say there has been overwhelming support for proposals to introduce raised crossings and other traffic calming measures including making the High Street and surrounding streets a 20mph zone.

The local authority plans to cut the speed limit from 30 to 20mph on the High Street from Bell Street South to Level Street and on the following streets: Talbot Street, Pearson Street, Albion Street, Cottage Street, Little Cottage Street, part of Mill Street, Moor Street and Fenton Street.

Road traffic orders are expected to come into force by next spring or summer. Read more here.

A range of parking and waiting restrictions are also set to be brought in on High Street, Cottage Street and Talbot Street with the intention of making the town centre more inviting and encouraging for shoppers and residents.

Councillor Damian Corfield, the council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “It’s great to see these resurfaced pavements being laid, which connect people to car parks, the forthcoming Metro terminus and the recently refurbished public toilets in Little Cottage Street.

“The new pavements are more accessible for people with mobility issues as well as those using wheelchairs and pushchairs. This work will facilitate pedestrian movement and connectivity for people who visit the town on foot, bike or by car.

“We are bringing 20mph zones into force in several locations in the town to improve pedestrian and motor safety and new parking measures in the town will help to reduce congestion while enabling more shoppers to find short stay bays.”

The town makeover is thanks to a £10million investment from the Future High Streets Fund bid, awarded by central Government, for key transformation projects including improving connectivity and integration, refurbishments to the library, the reopening of public toilets and works to improve the look and feel of the High Street.

The town also secured £2.2million of funding via the High Streets Heritage Action Zone, which has seen improvements made to the war memorial in Church Street, a series of building projects and public realm improvements.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “Brierley Hill is one of 22 conservation areas in the borough and these improvements will enhance the appearance of this historic High Street while encouraging higher footfall in the town.

“Working in conjunction with our funding partners, we are breathing life back into this fantastic town centre, and we are so pleased to have the support of residents and businesses as we continue to make these improvements.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about the road traffic order for the proposed 20mph zone can email traffic. management@dudley.gov.uk or call Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345