THE people of Royston were this week given a chance to meet the team behind Fish Hill Square’s �400,000 revamp.

Representatives of the contractors, Maylim, were on hand to meet business owners and members of the public who had queries about the development.

They were also joined by staff from Building Design Partnership, North Herts District Council and Hertfordshire Highways in Royston Town Hall on Monday.

A spokesman for the contractor said: “It went very well, a lot of people turned up, either residents or the trades.

“They had a look at the design and we spoke to the councillors for about half an hour afterwards.

“I have done a few of these before and we get a mixed reception, sometimes no-one goes and sometimes loads, but this was average – it was good.”

Work will start on July 4 and the project will see a variety of improvements take place to create a new public space in the town.

It is anticipated the work will take three months to complete and will be split into three phases.

Work will begin on the Jepps Lane side of the square and will then move to the West of the Square and finally the area near the Dish Restaurant.

It is expected traffic will only be disrupted when road surfacing work is undertaken in week 11.

The enhancment work will include a �20,000 sculpture, designed by 17-year old Meridian student Vicky Chapman, new paving laid, lighting installed and trees planted.

Councillor Tom Brindley, portfolio holder for planning and enterprise, said: “We are grateful to Maylim for coming to present the timetable for work in Fish Hill Square, and how it will affect local people and businesses.

“Their plans mean that vehicle access through the town centre will not be restricted except for a limited period during a couple of evenings and one weekend when resurfacing takes place near the end of the three month period of work.

“It was also a good opportunity for people to see some of the major projects that Maylim have worked on previously and hopefully it will give them confidence that this enhancement to the square will create a real focal point in the town centre.

“This has all been made possible through the Growth Area Fund, money that comes from central government to support projects such as this, and hopefully it will act as a catalyst for other investment in the town.”