WORK is set to start on £2million improvements to a high street in Somerset.

A contractor has been appointed to start work in Chard town centre from Monday, September 13.

Alun Griffiths Ltd will start work on improvements to Fore Street, Holyrood Street, Boden Street and the Eastern Gateway.

The work is part of the South Somerset District Council (SSDC) High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.

Dafydd Evans, contract manager from Alun Griffiths Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious scheme and continuing our partnership with South Somerset District Council.

"This is another important project for South Somerset District Council and community of Chard.

“We will be contacting those living and running businesses in the immediate area and providing our contact details. We’d urge people to get in touch if they have any queries or concerns.”

This scheme means £2 million of funding will be invested in the town centre until 2024.

READ MORE: Chard High Street to get boost from £96 MILLION Government fund

The grant will be used to improve the public realm as well as renovate historic buildings and shop fronts and fund community engagement projects.

More than £1 million of government high streets funding has been secured from Historic England, after the town was designated a High Street Heritage Action Zone, matched by funding coming from SSDC as well as a contribution from Chard Town Council.

Ross Simmonds, acting regional director at Historic England South West, added: “It’s great news that work is about to begin on a very important part of Chard’s High Street Heritage Action Zone.

"Improving the public realm will make the town centre more attractive to everyone from shoppers to potential businesses, and make it much easier for everyone to get around. We’re looking forward to seeing the transformation over the coming months.”

The Marketfield and Boden Street Car Park phases are the first to benefit from the improvements.

“After the additional funding for the Chard Regeneration programme was secured at District Executive earlier in July, officers moved quickly to appoint a contractor so we could press on with public realm works in the town," said Cllr Jason Baker, SSDC’s portfolio holder for Chard Regeneration.

"I am delighted that we can now start work on enhancing the town centre which will bring many benefits in the short and long term and provide a perfect setting for our businesses and community to flourish.”

To find out more visit chardregeneration.co.uk.