BUSINESSES in Beverley are breathing a sigh of relief as the £2.6m refurbishment of Saturday Market nears its completion.
East Riding Council says the work provides the market town with a space that will help maintain its place as one of the country's most vibrant market towns.
Nigel Leighton, director of environment and neighbourhood services at East Riding Council, said: "We would like to thank residents and businesses alike for their patience and understanding during the works to transform this vital part of the town centre.
"We are confident the new-look Saturday Market provides Beverley with a space that will help it maintain its place as one of the country's most vibrant market towns."
Work on the £2.6m revamp of Saturday Market began in January last year.
The only works left to complete are paving in Old Waste, which will be completed by Friday, May 9, and repaving outside Burton's store in Toll Gavel, which will be completed this summer.
There will also be resurfacing works in part of Lairgate, which will be carried out on Sundays late next month and in early June.
Mr Leighton said: "There are still some works to complete, such as cabling for the new market electrical system and minor finishing works, and we hope that people will bear with us while we finish the job.
"I also hope that residents and visitors will appreciate that there are now fewer signs and posts and much reduced road markings, thereby reducing street clutter."
The revamping of the market place has been designed to make the area more pedestrian-friendly.
Philip Guest, a partner of Guest and Philips jewellers, said: "We are mightily relieved it's nearly finished.
"The past year has been tough on businesses.
"We are pleased with the results of the work. The new street lighting and the pavements look nice now they are finished.
"The appeal of the market place has been advanced.
"People have complained about the lack of car parking, but the car park behind the fire station is under used."
The council had initially intended to permanently remove almost all the stone setts in Saturday Market, but public pressure forced a U-turn.
Tracey Scaife, of Debonhair in Lairgate, said: "Clients have said the works have gone on for too long. But, personally, I think what they've done looks nice."
But for some businesses, the completion comes too late. The Real Sandwich Company in Beverley has closed its shop, partly blaming the ongoing improvements to Saturday Market for having a catastrophic effect on its trade.
Although many businesses have reported a loss in profits during the work, Sam Riby, assistant manager at The Grapes, said a few workers had been coming in for a bite to eat after work.
"The works haven't really affected us and our business that much," he said.
"It was only when the path outside was being done that it was difficult, but the builders have been coming in after work for something to eat."
The refurbished market square now contains newly marked parking bays and has been made into a restricted parking zone.
Mr Leighton said: "We ask people to familiarise themselves with the new parking arrangement.
"We appreciate it does take time to get used to changes in parking, therefore, there will be an initial enforcement grace period while residents, businesses and visitors get used to these changes.
"The council would like to clarify that there is no change to the cost of parking. Holders of disabled badges are advised that they must also park within appropriately marked bays."
