Proposals to spend £1.25 million from the Levelling Up money to improve a Stoke-on-Trent town centre are currently out for consultation.

The plans would include improvements to pedestrian routes and to provide a more attractive environment in Burslem town centre.

The work on Queen Street is set to widen the pavements, it is hoped that the wider pavements will provide an opportunity for street cafés, in addition the road will also be narrowed. New trees to enhance the environment and increase biodiversity will be planted.

The roads and pavements are also set to be replaced with natural stone to improve the setting of nearby listed buildings including Burslem Indoor Market and the Wedgwood Institute.

These buildings are also set to have work to improve the condition of the buildings to prevent further decline.

Burslem resident Jason Irving said: "I think having plans is great, it's just whether they are actually going to happen and is there any point in doing it if half the shops are closed. If it happens it'll definitely be an improvement.

Georgina Flowers, owner of Bellissimo Salon on Queen Street, which has been there for nine years commented: "Anything is better than nothing but it's whether they actually go through with it because we've had plans in the past which are potentially happening.

"So are they going to happen but hopefully it gets better."

Stoke-on-Trent council hope the wider pavements will provide an opportunity for street cafés, in addition the road will also be narrowed. (LDRS)

Stoke-on-Trent Council has held a public consultation event for residents to hear more about the plans and to ask questions. Details of the plans and how to submit feedback can be found here.

John Chambers said: "When you talk around Burslem you can't help but be impressed with the wonderful buildings and I think anything that can be done to improve them will be beneficial."

The plans in Burslem are part of plans to spread £6 million in government cash across three towns to increase footfall and boost business activity. Other towns receiving funding are Tunstall and Stoke.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We really want as many people as possible to feedback on these exciting plans which will help to breathe new life into Burslem, Stoke and Tunstall town centres.

"The regeneration proposals we have set out will improve the economic viability of the towns, help better link key parts of the towns and are being developed to complement the other exciting project work taking place.

"So, it is vital to hear residents' priorities for spending the money and to use these ideas to shape the final plan ready for work to start later this year."

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READ MORE: Assets from collapsed Stoke-on-Trent pottery brand listed for auction

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