THE first scheme in a series of projects designed to take Earlestown into the next Millenium will start next month.

The work, which will begin on Monday, October 13, will improve Earlestown town centre and provide a major new infrastructure for local industries and commerce.

Parking for shoppers is set to improve thanks to the planned reconstruction of the St John Street car park and muddy conditions will become a distant memory when the car park is resurfaced. There will also be new lighting and landscaping and the highway of Tamworth Street will also be resurfaced.

Councillor Joe De Asha, chairman of St Helens Council's Highways sub-committee, said: "Thanks to the council winning special Capital Challenge Funding and by teaming up with Newton 21 Single Regeneration Budget, many imprtant schemes aimed at the regeneration of Earlestown will now take place."

To allow the St John Street scheme to be completed quickly and safely, the car park will be closed for use. Alternative car parking will be available at Fairclough Street.

Planning approval for a new bus terminal has now been given and projects ranging from a new bridge to serve the Sankey Valley and Deacon Trading Estates, to a pedestrianisation scheme for Market Street are now moving towards an advanced stage of design in readiness for full public consultation.

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