Work under way to upgrade town square

Newton Abbot Town Council is using in-house crews for the work

Work is underway to replace rotten timbers in a Devon town square.

Newton Abbot Town Council said the work at Golden Lion Square was expected to take a few weeks to complete.

The wooden sleeper beds that contained flower borders in the square were installed 12 years ago and would now be replaced.

Town clerk Phil Rowe said: "Golden Lion Square has proved to be a popular spot for people to meet or perhaps enjoy their lunch breaks and we want to keep it both attractive and safe."

The rotten timbers are being replaced with treated timber

Mr Rowe said the use of in-house crews meant the "only significant cost is the timber at £6,000".

"We think that's pretty good value for a community asset that benefits the whole town," he said.

Golden Lion Square sits next to the town's oldest pub, The Golden Lion, which dates back to 1623.