Town square partly closes for five weeks for works

An area of St Paul's Square will be closed from 23 July to 29 August

Part of a town centre square will be closed for over a month as part of a £4m renovation project.

The south side of St Paul's Square in Bedford is shut to all vehicles until Friday 29 August so drainage and resurfacing work can take place.

A closure will be in place from the junction with the High Street to Horne Lane as part of "revitalisation" work, Bedford Borough Council said.

Conservative councillor Andrea Spice said there would be "some short-term disruption" that the council was working to minimise.

An artist's impression of what the square might look like

The project includes replacing paving slabs and kerbs, widening pedestrian walkways and creating a space for outdoor events, with funds coming through the Bedford Town Deal, which has seen £22.6m worth of government investment in the town.

Samantha Laycock, chairman of the Bedford Town Deal Board, said it was part of "our vision to transform Bedford town centre into a more attractive, accessible, and people-focused place".

"The improvements to St Paul's Square will not only enhance the look and feel of this historic space but also support local businesses and encourage more people to spend time in the town."

Spice, portfolio holder for economic growth, planning and prosperity, said: "While this phase of the project involves some short-term disruption, we're doing everything we can to minimise the impact and make sure people are kept informed throughout the works."

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, the authority said.

• Traffic approaching from the High Street will be diverted via St Mary's Street, St John's Street, Kingsway, Cauldwell Street and Prebend Street

• Traffic approaching from Cauldwell Street will be diverted either via Prebend Street or via St Mary's Street, The Embankment, Newnham Street, St Cuthberts Street, St Peter's Street, Dame Alice Street to Bromham Road

• Access for residents and businesses will be via River Street and Horne Lane

• Bus services travelling from south of the river, will be diverted via Prebend Street, Midland Road and Greyfriars to the bus station

• Southbound bus services will operate as normal through St Paul's Square

• Northbound bus stops will not be in use outside Borough Hall, Bedford College and Horne Lane