The first stage of the on-going renovation works at the centre of Shepton Mallet are nearing completion.

According to an update by Shepton Town Council today (April 13) the resurfacing work of Market Place and Town Street is progressing on schedule.

Work began on March 15 and is expected to take a total of three months.

The resurfacing works are being carried out in sections, in a hope to keep disruption of the town centre to a minimum.There are three main sections:

The bottom of Town Street

The remaining parts of Market Place.

According to the Town Council this first stage is nearly complete and the new surface should be in place from next week.

Preparation work for the second section will begin later this week and this second section should in turn be completed in early May.

The council added: " The contractors carrying out the works are aware that this week is a crucial moment for our local businesses as the high-street shops reopen to the public. The site managers have already started speaking with local business owners and will continue to look for ways to accommodate particular businesses' needs where this does not delay the scheme's completion. "