GREAT Dunmow’s new town square – its “new heart” – is weeks away from being finished.

Work on the final stages of the project started this week. Contractors are expected to be on site for the next five to six weeks.

A town council spokesman said: “The construction of new homes and the library have already brought considerable improvement. The council is working with its partners to transform this unattractive part of the centre of town into a new heart for Great Dunmow.”

White Street is closed at its junction with the High Street, but it has been made two-way temporarily so that customers and deliveries can continue to access White Street during the work.

Until the town square is opened, vehicles can reach White Street via White Hart Way and through the car park to Mill Lane.

Extra road signs direct customers into White Street and a map is available for anyone unsure of the diversion route. Copies are available from Pulfords, Gallery on the Park and town council.

Temporary fencing is in place to allow access for pedestrians at all times to White Street, the library, the Co-op and the public toilets.

The council said it is working with its partners, Taylor Wimpey UK, Essex County Council and Uttlesford District Council, to try to minimise the impact on the shops and businesses while the work is taking place

“Some disruption, although regrettable, is unavoidable but has been minimised as much as possible,” added the spokesman. “The resulting new town square will be a real asset to the town, bringing significant environmental and community gain.”

? WHAT do you think? E-mail us at editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk