Extensive road works started on Monday that will introduce traffic calming measures including a 20 mph speed limit throughout a town’s centre.

Central Bedfordshire Council has approved plans for a series of measures to improve roads around Stotfold town centre, with the work estimated to take four months.

As well as the 20mph speed limit, other measures include more double yellow lines, extra parking facilities, resurfacing roads and upgrading street lighting.

The work will take place between 8am and 6pm every day, excluding Sundays and bank holidays.

Several roads will be closed during the works, including Arlesey Road, Regent Street and Hitchin Road for three weeks and the High Street from Church Road to Grange Drive and Queen Street for two weeks.

The improvements are being funded by developers who have contributed money to improve infrastructure under the Section 106 agreement.

Brian Spurr, the council’s executive member for sustainable communities, said: “We want to achieve the best possible value for residents and businesses in Stotfold from developer money assigned to the town, so we have asked for feedback on our proposals over the last few months to ensure we deliver what the local community would prefer. To minimise disruption as much as possible, we are also undertaking other maintenance works at the same time.

“To keep people up-to-date with news, we have set up a dedicated webpage and Facebook page, which will be regularly updated when the work starts, as we really want local people to get in touch.”

Some residents in the area have previously voiced their opposition to the plans, expressing fears about the disruption that they can expect while the work is carried out.

Ward councillor Ian Dalgarno told the Comet that many of these issues were addressed during the meeting last week.

He said: “We listened to the concerns of local residents and acted upon them.

“Most of the people went away from the meeting satisfied about how and what was being done.”

For information on road closures visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and search for ‘Stotfold’.