WORK to uplift a quiet spot in the town centre is well under way. 

Sandpit Lane in Braintree town centre has already been adorned with distinctive flower plant pots containing beautiful small trees and English country flowers, together with a community memory noticeboard.

The installation of an archway showing the history of the lane was finished on Thursday. 

Councillor Tom Cunningham grew up in the town. He said: "I can remember being quite small but walking down Sandpit Lane with my mother and grandmother and particularly remember negotiating big wet puddles in Sandpit Lane car park.”

 “The area looks great and I hope it encourages people to remember the wonderful shops we have there but also at the far end of the High Street for example the sandwich bar, Labeltique, Edward Walker Carpets, CM7 Café, the shake shop, the hairdressers and Townrow, the tea rooms and all the other great independent businesses.

“This is just the start – we’re looking at a trial pedestrianisation of the town centre, better traffic circulation, better signage and other improvements.

"All this and the regeneration of the site behind the town hall means that it is an exciting time to live in Braintree. Come and explore more of what our local businesses have to offer.”

A small collection of residents’ old photos and memories will be on display on a noticeboard in Sandpit Lane for all to see.