Roadworks are to begin in Royston town centre next month, with road closures in place for up to six weeks while improvements are made.

The resurfacing works and vital mains renewals – in conjunction with Affinity Water – begin on September 11, and will see roads closed off to vehicles for fixed times throughout the month.

On its website, Herts County Council has said: “The works to improve the road surface will improve safety and provide improved pedestrian access across the town centre.

“At the same time, we also aim to make improvements to drainage, pathways, adding new bins, cleaning signs and adding new line markings on the road.

“Making these improvements at the same time will limit future disruption to residents. We are carrying out vital mains renewals and carriageway resurfacing works, in collaboration with Affinity Water.”

The work includes replacing the block paving on the north and south sections of the High Street with tarmac in the daytime between 9am and 6pm. This is expected to be finished by October 11.

The sections will be closed one at a time and vehicles will have access to one part of the High Street throughout the works.

Resurfacing work will also take place within the same time frame on Upper King Street and John’s Street – although the latter will happen between 9pm and 5am.

There will also be resurfacing work in Fish Hill on September 17, between 10am and 4pm.

Nick White set up the ‘Make Royston High St Safe Now’ page on Facebook more than a year ago in response to a number of falls in the town centre.

He told the Crow: “The council have said the measures are to improve safety, does that mean they admit it wasn’t safe in the first place?”

“However, I do certainly welcome the improvements, and hope it brings more trade to the town.”

Throughout the works, there will be traffic operatives on site to help with any queries and access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times.

If your business is likely to be affected and you want to query this further you can call the highways team on 0300 123 4047 or go to hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/contact-us/contact-highways.aspx.