FOOTPATHS and a road outside Ellesmere Port Market could be obstructed next week as transformation work continues.

Trial pits are to be dug for core samples, with work taking place in front of the south entrance of the market between Tuesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 29 from 8am to 7pm.

On Thursday, August 29 and Friday, August 30 between 8am and 7pm the investigation works will continue on York Road, Ellesmere Port, on the footway outside the north entrance to Ellesmere Port Market, between Farmfoods and York Road Group Practice.  Safety barriers will be in place during the works.

This work is weather dependent, and dates may change subject to conditions.

Part of an £8.5m project, plans to transform the Market include radically improving its appearance and the thermal efficiency of the market hall, as well as reconfiguring the building for the future.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The exciting transformation work at the market started with the removal of the old canopy. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes and next week activity returns to the outside of the building. There is likely to be some disruption but the market and surrounding businesses will be open as usual.

“Our contractors are members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, and will take all available steps to minimise noise and disruption.”

The Ellesmere Port town centre redevelopment project has three core elements. In addition to the transformation work in and around the market hall, there will be improved wheeling and cycling links from the train station and site preparation work for new low carbon housing.

More information on the project can be found on the Council's website.