Longton will get a new pedestrianised public square under council plans to transform the town centre.

The proposals will involve a major revamp of Times Square, with the creation of a 'public realm plaza' in front of Longton Town Hall, with space for a public artwork.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council also plans to rationalise the 'convoluted' layout of the Times Square junction, where King Street, Market Street and The Strand come together.

Other road changes would see the introduction of red routes to cut congestion, a reversal of the one way system on Transport Lane and the removal of the existing traffic islands in Times Square.

And there are proposals to install new paving, railings and lighting in Baths Passage and Strand Passage.

Council leaders say the plans will improve links between the town centre, retail park, bus station and the railway station, reduce traffic problems and makes Longton a more attractive place to visit.

The works, which are part of a wider £6.5 million public realm programme, will be financed with Levelling Up money, the Transforming Cities Fund and cash from the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The consultation will run until Wednesday 6 August . To have your say CLICK HERE.

Times Square in Longton. (LDRS)

Cllr Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, regeneration and infrastructure at the city council, said: "We want to make sure our town centres work for everyone which is why we are maximising this investment by co-ordinating a number of improvement schemes and delivering real benefits for residents.

"Our overall plan for the town is to create a network of improvements which will enhance the links between the railway and bus stations, the town centre and the retail park.

"We want to encourage more people into Longton, support existing businesses and provide a more attractive environment for residents, workers, shoppers and visitors. We also want to reduce congestion in the town centre and ensure our bus services remain reliable."

Members of the public were invited to view the proposals and have their say at a drop-in event in Longton Indoor Market on Friday, as part of a three-week consultation

Andrea Hawkins, who runs the book stall on the market, had mixed feelings about the plans. She said: "I welcome the red lines, that is something we need in Longton.

"But I don't agree with switching around Transport Lane. All that's going to do is make things harder for market traders as we'll have to go all round the houses.

"And I can sort of see what they want to do in front of the town hall. But nobody is going to want to sit there and have their lunch, looking out onto the Crown Hotel. And if you put seating there it will just attract the dossers and rough sleepers. It just seems like a waste of money."

The consultation will run until Wednesday 6 August . To have your say CLICK HERE.