ROMSEY councillor Mark Cooper says he believes the revamp of Bell Street is another step to securing the town’s economic future.

The road reopening will now be followed by the plans to redevelop Market Place, which will start next year.

Cllr Cooper said: “Completing the enhancement of Bell Street is another step in journey we are making to ensure Romsey’s Town Centre remains viable and economically sound in the future. It’s all about increasing footfall. To compete with internet retailing we have encourage residents and visitors to want to come into town to meet and work and pass their leisure time.”

“I apologise for the disruption during the construction but it’s very difficult to undertake the scale of he work needed and at the same time respect the town’s historic fabric and keep businesses running. The Market Place work starts in January. The sooner the better and I promise the majority of residents will be very pleased by the end result.”

Those plans have come under fire with Re-Think Romsey Market Place, who want further changes.