QUEEN Street will remain open during improvement work, which begins next month.

The plan to ‘enhance’ the Newton Abbot road, which proved controversial from the outset, will finally come to fruition, as work starts next month.

The work is to be carried out in phases so as to limit disruption to businesses; work will start at the western end of Queen Street near Courtenay Street, and progress eastward towards The Avenue. 

The work includes: the widening of footways and improved crossings for pedestrians; a lower speed limit;  an upgraded bus stop; and, the planting of trees, other greenery and additional public seating.

‘The death of another town is upon us!’ one resident said.

‘Absolutely ridiculous plans and the councillors who planned this should resign’ said another.

‘Funny how all the objections just disappear into the abyss and the scheme goes ahead regardless - I do wonder if I’ll ever witness a council that actually listens to its constituents in my lifetime!’ another person said.

Throughout the work there will continue to be parking for blue badge holders both in Queen Street and in nearby Victoria Place.

Businesses will be open as usual and once the work starts, information boards and drop in sessions will keep traders, shoppers and residents updated on the plans, how they’re progressing and any potential impact on shoppers or road users.

‘Whilst the work is ongoing, we are offering discounted parking on the top two levels of the multi-storey car park at Sherborne Road, where it will be £1 to park for two-hours’ a spokesperson for Teignbridge District Council (TDC) said.

‘We’ll keep you updated on the start date and how the work will progress, as well as up to date information on the potential impact on visitors and traffic’ the spokesperson added.

In 2019, TDC bid for a share of the Government’s £1 billion Future High Street Fund which was set up to help reshape town centres through ‘transformational’ schemes.

£9.2 million was secured by TDC.