First works to begin on town's £3m revamp

A computer-generated image shows what Bealeys Fold could look like in Wednesfield, after the revamp

A £3m regeneration scheme aimed at better connecting areas of a town will get under way with initial works next week.

Contractor Taylor Woodrow will start investigations towards the design of the scheme for Wednesfield High Street, City of Wolverhampton Council said.

Main construction work will then start later this year, with the project to include paving, lighting and seating work, along with improved pedestrian crossings.

Drains inspections and other surveys are set to take place from Monday to Friday with no changes to traffic and pedestrian routes.

Improvements would help the area by making it more attractive to shoppers and visitors, the council said.

They have been given funding by the government for the project and a spokesperson said there have been "extensive consultation and engagement" with people in the area and traders.

Ian Wright said Wednesfield market had been getting smaller

Among the improvements of the £3m plan will be better access for pedestrians across the area.

There will also be better access and signs from car parks, especially through Bealeys Fold, where better paving, landscaping and lighting would help "draw people into the heart of the High Street", the council said.

The plans include creating new events and activity space to further benefit the street and people in the area.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal said, when the scheme was finished, the authority hoped the changes would boost the local economy.

Barriers and signs will be in place to create space for the initial survey work next week.

Norma Thompson said she loved living in Wednesfield

Ian Wright, 67, who has lived in Wednesfield for 60 years, when asked about the plans this week, told the BBC the market was becoming smaller.

"It can be a bit rough in places," he said. "It's probably in the evening though."

In February, police patrols were stepped up at Bentley Bridge after reports of anti-social behaviour.

But Norma Thompson, 84, who grew up in Jamaica and has called Wednesfield her home since 1963, said everyone was friendly and "everything is here".

She said convenience, transport links and safety already made the town an enjoyable place to live, with her only gripe being a lack of shops selling women's clothing.

"The buses run through to Wolverhampton and we can walk anywhere at night without any problems," she stated.

"I love Wednesfield and the people."