Business backs £15m project to 'rejuvenate' Cambridgeshire town centre
Part of the area is currently being redeveloped
A tattoo business hopes plans to regenerate a town centre in Cambridgeshire will rejuvenate the high street.
St Neots Market Square is in the process of being redeveloped as part of a £15m improvement project to enhance the area.
Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) said the project, part of the Market Towns Programme to support the district's town centres, will turn the Market Square into "an attractive and versatile public realm space."
Wes Scott runs Penny Royal Tattoo Studio across the road from the Square and is supportive of the plans.
"I think it's great; there are lots of towns across the UK screaming out for work to be done, and we're lucky enough to get the funds for the town to give it some rejuvenation," he said.
"Once it's all done, looks pretty and great, hopefully other businesses will say it is a pretty town and bring their business here and hopefully people will support that and come to the high street."
Town centre 'underperforming'
When the project, funded through HDC, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, highways and national government, is complete, parking on the Market Square will be relocated with seating areas in place.
The £15m project also includes plans to enhance the town's Priory Centre and bringing the Old Falcon Inn back into use.
Previously, HDC have said "St Neots is a popular, growing market town but the town centre is underperforming."
It's a project that has raised concerns from people living and working in St Neots.
Philippa lives close by to the Market Square:
"I really want it to happen, I just wish it was done in a different way; I'm not sure how, but they seem to be going round in circles and spending lots of time doing stuff they don't seem to need to do," she said.
"I think once it's done, it will be lovely but it does seem to be affecting all the businesses.
"The bakery's shut down (for example) and they say it's because of this and how long they're taking."
In January when the Market Square works began, Cllr Sam Wakeford, executive councillor for jobs, economy and housing at HDC, said the project "is a significant milestone for St Neots, promising a more attractive, versatile and vibrant public space in the historic centre of the town."
The project is due to finish in January 2025.