BRIDGWATER Town Centre has been undergoing a £130,000 revamp to declutter and freshen it up in recent weeks.

The hope was that this work would be completed this week, ready for Saturday's Quayside Festival on July 20.

However Sedgemoor District Council announced this week that contractors had run into challenges which would mean the improvement schemes is unlikely to completed until August.

The town centre will be clear of machines, materials and contractors over the weekend to ensure the Quayside Festival can proceed safely and as planned.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "The fabulous Quayside Festival hits Bridgwater this Saturday when crowds will enjoy the varied and free entertainment. 

"There is good news in that the majority of the improvement work around the West Quay/Binford Place junction is now complete and six mature trees have been planted on High Street and Fore Street.

"As with major improvement projects of this kind, there has been a few challenges. 

"Sedgemoor District Council’s contractors, Alun Griffiths, have been faced with finding unregistered electricity and gas services and an unexpected drain.

"This has meant their initial works have taken a while longer than anticipated and work will have to continue after the Quayside Festival and into August."

Visitors to the town centre may notice some temporary finishes to the area where the works are taking place but the council say these will be finished off and smartened up when the contractors start on site again on Monday, July 22.  

The council spokesman added: "Given the time of year and the hot weather, some of the planted trees may lose their leaves but they should grow back next spring as they are strong, mature specimens. 

"A number of additional trees have been ordered and will be planted in suitable green spaces across the town.  

"Thank you for the continued patience whilst these works are completed."

Once complete the works will include new seating, signage, lamp posts and cycle racks, replaced dying trees and reconfiguration of the raised area of West Quay.