Archived press release

Date Published: 05/09/06

A programme of work to improve an area in Aylesbury town centre is now underway. Work costing around £68,000 has started in Market Square to enhance the appearance of the historic clock tower, war memorial and statues and improve the cobble...

A programme of work to improve an area in Aylesbury town centre is now underway.

Work costing around £68,000 has started in Market Square to enhance the appearance of the historic clock tower, war memorial and statues and improve the cobbled paved areas

Improvements will be completed in time for the Remembrance Services on 11 and 12 November. The site will be open to the public whilst the work is carried out and the markets will operate as normal.

Works to the clock tower will involve removing the hands and dial works of each clock face to allow contractors to undertake cleaning work. Contractors will also clean the stonework, check for loose masonry and inspect the wind vane at the top of the tower.

As most of the work is at a high level, the structure has been encased in scaffolding to allow any necessary repairs and restoration works to take place.  Improvement work to the clock tower is expected to be completed in six weeks.

Scaffolding has also been erected around the war memorial at the top of Market Square to allow contractors to clean the stonework. The John Hampden and Benjamin Disraeli statues will also be cleaned along with the Charles Compton statue and water fountain trough opposite the Crown Court.

In addition, repairs to the cobbled areas within Market Square will take place to make them safer to walk on. Work will be carried out in four phases, starting at the top of Market Square, and is expected to take eight weeks to complete.

Councillor Val Baxter, Cabinet Member for Asset Management, said: “The council is committed to protecting and improving the district’s street scene and, as owners of Market Square, have a responsibility for its maintenance and to make sure it doesn’t fall into disrepair. More importantly, we must also ensure that it is safe and poses no risk to the public.

“These works will play a key role in improving the look of Aylesbury town centre and making it a more visitor-friendly location. Residents should rest assured that the work will be carried out with as little disruption as possible to the town centre and that any temporary disruption to businesses or market traders will be minimised. The public will see a tangible difference once the works have been completed.”