THE �3.2m Baldock town centre refurbishment programme was delivered on budget and on time. The good news was announced today by North Herts District Council s (NHDC) project manager Louise Symes as she toured the town. She was accompanied by David Scholes

THE �3.2m Baldock town centre refurbishment programme was delivered on budget and on time.

The good news was announced today by North Herts District Council's (NHDC) project manager Louise Symes as she toured the town.

She was accompanied by David Scholes head of planning and building control at NHDC, Mehron Kirk, project manager for the design consultants Business Design Partnerships and Nigel Cooke, Baldock's town centre manager and Claire Morgan NHDC's community development officer for Baldock.

"We had the initial design in 2007 and started the project in June last year and I am proud to say we have completed the project on budget and on time and I am very pleased with how it has been completed by the contractors," said Mrs Symes.

"One only has to look down the High street and see how the plan has retained the wonderful wide expanse that has always been part of Baldock's history."

Mr Scholes said: "We promised we would implement this programme once the Baldock by-pass had been built and I am pleased to say we have kept that promise and Baldock town centre is looking wonderful.

"Hopefully it will help the town centre grow and become a more vibrant and stronger place."

Mr Cooke was hoping the completed project would bring more people back into Baldock for shopping and use the pubs and restaurants.

"This is our chance to promote Baldock and attract people back into the town. But the message is we are open for business and we hope to build on this new beginning."

There will be a formal public celebration to commemorate the completion of the refurbishment on Saturday, June 13, at noon when local MP Oliver Heald will perform the official opening ceremony.

This will be followed by live music and exhibitions by local organisations.