The second phase of improvements to a town centre shopping street is expected to be completed by mid-April.

Watford Borough Council has given an update on the progress of its project in Market Street which primarily aims to enhance the look and feel of the road.

The first phase of work, between the ring road and Merton Road, was completed during the winter with contractors now focusing on the section of Market Street by High Street.

The council says shoppers and businesses can expect to see new modern touches as well as new taxi rank, bollards to stop illegal parking, and improvements to pavements and the drainage system.

Watford Observer: Work completed in Market Street during the first phase of work Work completed in Market Street during the first phase of work

Hayley Crow, who opened The Garden Rooms bar during the pandemic, said: "The council is working on smartening up the area to attract new customers which we hope will help boost local trade. The last few years have been an extremely difficult time for business owners, let’s hope that these improvements get people back out supporting local shops."

Watford Observer: The Garden Rooms owner Hayley Crow pictured with Watford mayor Peter Taylor The Garden Rooms owner Hayley Crow pictured with Watford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "One of my key manifesto commitments was to improve areas such as this. We must make sure that all of our town can benefit from investment and schemes like these, which are really important in making Watford a better place.

"Over the next year, we are currently looking into further improvements to St Albans Road and Queens Road."

Watford Observer: Watford mayor Peter Taylor in Market Street Watford mayor Peter Taylor in Market Street

Council documents published at the beginning of the year revealed the investments in Market Street could be nearly £1 million.

Drivers and particularly bus passengers have been warned to expect some disruption in April as the Market Street project draws to a close.

Resurfacing work will take place in Market Street - from High Street to the ring road - between April 4 and 10 between the hours of 8pm and 6.30am.

This means there will be no vehicle access so bus users will have to get on and off their bus away from Market Street.

Customers for Arriva services 10, 320, 321, and 500, as well as Red Rose service W19, are being recommended to go to stop Q in King Street, while it is the same stop for those who are leaving the Uno 602 and 632 services or Sullivan's 306.

The recommended bus stop to board those latter three services is in Beechen Grove.

The council says services outside of the hours of 8pm to 6.30am won't be affected by the work in Market Street.