BLAENAU Gwent is continuing with the regeneration programme in Abertillery with work due to start on redeveloping the multi-storey car park and renewing footways.

The next phase of the works will involve renewing the footways in Somerset Street from Commercial Street junction up to the area of roadway outside Ron Taylor Electrics.

In addition to this work, two buildings are being refurbished along Somerset Street - Bon Marche House and the former FADS building.

A council spokeswoman said: “Somerset Street is a busy, narrow street; therefore in order to facilitate these works a road closure is necessary from September 23 to November 4, 2013.

“Access will be maintained throughout the works period down Commercial Street but will be restricted onto Somerset Street from Hill Street and King Street. Business delivery access will be maintained.”

Information and plans about this road closure and the traffic management is on display on the town centre notice board in Foundry Bridge car park.

The multi-storey car park is also being redeveloped in Abertillery. The first phase of the works will involve the demolition of the existing car park. This will start on Monday September 30 over a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

The demolition works will not require a road closure.

Following the demolition, a temporary car park surface will be provided to ensure public car parking throughout the Christmas shopping period.

The main contract to construct the new multi-storey car park will begin in February 2014. The new 114 space multi-storey car park will be a more user friendly, Disability Discrimination Act compliant, state-of-the-art car park, complete with enclosed lift and stairwell, improved lighting and CCTV surveillance.

Cllr Brian Scully, executive member for economic strategy and development, said: “Significant regeneration continues within Blaenau Gwent to transform the area.

"We appreciate that these works may affect the area but ask you to be patient with us while we complete these works that will bring long-term benefits in the near future to the area.

"Despite the current economic climate, I’m very pleased that the council is finding European funding programmes to continue to modernise and improve our town centres."