MAJOR town centre improvement works will be completed on time for the Christmas shopping rush.
The £3.95million pedestrianisation of Burnley town centre has been taking shape over the course of the year.
Town leaders said visitors to Burnley would see a ‘top quality’ pedestrianised zone ideal to welcome festive shoppers.
Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Council’s leader, said the transformation of the shopping areas was expected to be finished by the end of November.
Brian Hobbs, president of Burnley’s Chamber of Trade, said he was pleased the work would be done in time.
He said: “We were given assurances the town centre work would be done before Christmas and from what I have seen they are doing the last few touches now.
“The work has been needed and it looks great.
“I would have to describe it as a job well done by those involved.”
The work has involved refurbishing pedestrianised sections of St James’s Street and Hammerton Street, as well as resurfacing worn-out paving and replacing benches and planters.
Debbie Hernon, Charter Walk‘s shopping centre manager, said: “The paving throughout the town centre looks fantastic and is a real boost to the shopping environment offering visitors an even better experience.
“Many Charter Walk shop managers have commented on how good the paving looks and it’s something that we should be really proud of, stepping us up a gear ready for Primark opening here at Charter Walk early next year.
“The look and feel of the centre is now fresh, modern and ready to welcome new and old customers and we look forward to them wanting to spend more time in their town centre.”
Cllr Townsend said: “I am absolutely confident this will happen and shoppers will be able to visit the town centre as freely as possible in the run up to Christmas.
“The work is going to be of the top quality and it looks absolutely fantastic so far.
“We were originally looking for the work to be done by spring next year but now it will be done well before Christmas.
“The only road which may not be finished is Parker Lane. However, that is away from the main shopping area and would be completed by the spring.”