The work will include Oxford Street and Market Street being transformed with new paving, street furniture and improved traffic management that will also see Market Street linked back with Stafford Road.

As part of the plans, the Limes Walk link will be opened up with the removal of the concrete canopies. Existing businesses along this walk will be unaffected and other improvements in Market Street are also being looked at.

The council’s cabinet decided last night to make plans and materials available in Oakengates for residents to view in the window of the old Oakengates library building on Limes Walk, to allow residents to see the plans and the type of materials that are proposed to be used and give feedback before any work starts on the ground.

It is planned that the materials will be on display in the window of the old Oakengates library from Monday 8 August until mid-September.

The plans have been developed through previous consultation with the local community and close working with traders and members of Oakengates Town Council.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader Richard Overton, cabinet member with special responsibility for Borough Towns development, said: “This shows our commitment to improving the attractiveness of older centres like Oakengates.

“The proposed scheme not only costs a lot less than previously proposed but retains the shops in Limes Walk and I am confident that it will deliver greater environmental improvements. This is good news for local businesses and the local community.”

Councillor Amrik Jhawar, ward member for Ketley and Oakengates, said: “I am delighted to see major improvements being proposed for Oakengates.

“This is very much needed investment and shows confidence in the future of this historic and important centre for local people. I am also pleased that the public is being consulted on this to ensure we get the best possible scheme for Oakengates.”

Members of the public can give their views on the package of improvements for Oakengates by contacting traffic@telford.gov.uk or by picking up a comments slip from The Place and posting it through the door of the old library for collection.

Copies of the plans will also be available at: www.telford.gov.uk/OakengatesBTD from Monday 8th August.