WORK HAS begun on the multi-million pound scheme to redevelop the heart of Pontypool.

Contractors Taylor Woodrow started fencing off the town's top car park, which will be the site of a new Tesco store, last week.

Project manager Steve Bannon has already met members of the council to update them on how the work will develop.

The £12.7 million scheme, supported by £2.6 million of aid from the Welsh Development Agency, will bring more jobs and more shoppers to the Torfaen town.

The joint project is managed and funded by Torfaen council, the WDA, Tesco and developers Centros Miller.

But the work has already had a knock-on effect in the town by reducing the number of car parking spaces available, and there have been problems with double-parked cars in the Crane Street car park.

Officers have suggested motorists should continue using the town's Riverside car park, which had a £400,000 makeover last year.

Councillor John Marshall, executive member for the environment, said: "The council has been working hard to make sure car parking problems are kept to a minimum during this exciting time for Pontypool.

"But we've noticed that the Riverside car park is being underused. It's in a great location in the town centre with easy walking access to all the shops so I hope drivers take advantage and use it more."

For more information on parking in Pontypool call the regeneration team on 01495 766299.