A consultation has been launched on how best to spend £4.5million in Levelling Up money to improve a Stoke-on-Trent town.

Currently the plans involve providing a multifunctional space and improving civic pride in Tunstall.

At the moment six public realm interventions have been identified across the town centre. However no final decision on the plans has been made and the council are urging residents to submit feedback to further enhance the plans.

Firstly, along the High Street, in the north of the road improvements will be made to the street scene and bus stops and could involve the removal of a bus stop which is not currently in use, new tree planting and the use of natural stone to improve the look of the conservation area.

In the south of the street, improvement to the pedestrian route to Rathbone Street and possible widening of the footpath is planned.

On Butterfield Place, natural stone and wider footways to improve the setting of the town hall, with better links to Jasper Square and Alexandra Retail park.

The Boulevard could see improvements to pedestrian access including the possibility of a surface pelican crossing or the underpass which connects to the memorial gardens could have new railings and lighting.

New paving is set to Tower Square, with additional tree planing and street furniture. It is hoped that this will create opportunities for pavement cafés, increase time spent in the square and create a space for events.

The town hall will also see improvements to its setting and improvements to the crossing points will be made.

Shopper Betty Young said: "I think it's a great idea. Tunstall really needs something done to it and hopefully it will mean more shops. I know the designs aren't finished yet but it would have been nice to see what it could look like."

The plans in Tunstall 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 Burslem and Stoke.

Tunstall resident Kenny Moran said: "I think it's great from what I've heard obviously we'll have to wait until it actually happens. I will say though that it's alright spending the money but I think unless it tackles some of the other problems it could be wasted."

Cllr 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."

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.

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