A LONG-awaited renovation scheme to revamp Andover's Upper High Street has been given the go-ahead by Test Valley Borough Council's powerful executive committee.

Work on the scheme, which will cost a quarter of a million pounds, is expected to begin soon, possibly as early as June, and will be completed before the Christmas shopping period.

The borough council's engineering consultancy manager Mark Lambert told members the design chosen has important implications for the town's focal point, the Lower High Street. "Some public consultation has taken place and there is broad support for the plan," said Mr Lambert.

Four options, costing between £80,000 for concrete slabs and £303,000 using all York stone, were put before councillors.

The one chosen uses a mixture of natural York stone slabs and reconstituted blocks which conservation officer Mike Ricketts said would offer a good contrast of materials and be £50,000 less expensive than using York stone throughout.

Mr Lambert said: "York stone gives a feeling of quality, retains its looks better and we will put in place a high level of maintenance to make sure the area does not fall into the sort of state it is at the moment."

This plan envisages the removal of the raised planters but there would be replacement seats.

"What we do here we hope to continue into Lower High Street - sooner rather than later," said council leader Ian Carr.

The work will be the first refurbishment of the Upper High Street since it was closed to traffic in 1980.