Guild improvements gather pace

Contractor Blakedown Landscapes will begin refurbishing Flag Market in Preston city centre this week in preparation for the Preston Guild 2012.

Many of the events for next year's Guild will take place in the historic square. The existing York stone flags will be re-grouted and the area next to Crystal House will be re-surfaced with new natural stone paving. Works will also include relocation of CCTV camera to a new location at the top of Friargate and Cheapside to enhance the setting of the War Memorial. Benches will be refurbished and redundant street furniture will be removed to de-clutter the space.

New paving is due to be completed by early November with tree planting taking place during National Tree Week, which runs from Saturday 26 November to Sunday 4 December.

The scheme is being funded by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council. Cllr Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: "The Flag Market is one of the most iconic and historically important spaces in Preston. It is therefore important that we maintain it responsibly as well as improve it to ensure it can continue to be a suitable space to host celebrations and other events such as the annual Remembrance service.

"With the Guild fast approaching we are delighted to be able to announce a timeline for the project, and we look forward to the work being completed.

"There may be periods when sections of the Flag Market are fenced off and safety precautions will be in place, and appropriate signage will be displayed when this occurs.

Paul Dunne, Lancashire County Council public realm manager, added: "We share people's pride in this historic part of Preston and are glad to be working with the city council to provide natural stone paving and make sure the improvements are in keeping with the character of the area."