Gardens revamp plans

The 157,000 scheme could involve transferring parking from the inner kerb of the prime town centre site to the outer kerb and removing parking altogether from the southern bend of the road.

Council officials said they had studied the closely guarded plans and proposed some "minor adjustments" which would ensure overall parking capacity was retained.

A report prepared by council officers said: "The purpose of the project is to provide a vibrant scheme which will vitalise this most important central open space.

"Companies were invited to design innovative, distinctive schemes complimentary to the town's burgeoning retail and commercial centre."

Contractors returned their designs for consideration in August and officers have spent the last few weeks weighing up the pros and con of each plan.

"The factors considered in analysing the designs were longevity and quality of materials used, functionality of design in relation to its current and anticipated usage, provision of pathways, retaining walls, seating, lighting and bins, aesthetic effect and crime and disorder issues."

A motorcycle bay may also be incorporated into the gardens at the north east corner of the site.

The refurbishment is expected to be of a modern design, featuring path and flint walls, rounded coping and new seating and lighting.

Plans will be officially unveiled when leading councillors meet at the Town Hall on Monday evening.

The project has been jointly funded by the 100,000 Shaw bequest, left to the council last year, and 53,000 from the Greening the Borough fund. A further 4,500 has also been allocated.