REFURBISHMENT work worth £27,000 to a much-used bus stop by a city centre market are set to start next month.

Chelmsford Council has confirmed the next stage of improvements to the High Chelmer Bus Interchange used for the city’s indoor market are scheduled in April.

Included in the refurb will be the redecoration of all the concrete surfaces, deep cleaning of surface areas, installing new signs, replacing bird netting and upgrading shelters and seating.

Lib Dem councillor for Goat Hall Freda Mountain welcomed the upcoming refurbishment to the bus stop which she regularly uses.

However, she feels more needs to be done to spruce up the area.

Mrs Mountain said: “It is good to hear more improvements to the interchange for the market will be done, but I think there is more room for improvement.

“The first thing passenger see when they get off there is a very grim and dirty looking bus shelter and the whole place is a disgrace.

“If we are going to attract more traders to the market next door and in the city centre, then we need to make sure this well used bus stop is welcoming and attractive.”

Council bosses said they will continue to look at ways of improving the bus stop even after the next refurb is complete.

A spokeswoman said: “Last year we spent £11,820 on lighting improvements there as part of the renovation scheme for the car park and market.

“We will be spending £27,000 on the next stage of works with further works planned on the bus shelters also planned.”

News of the plans come just a week after property giants Schroders announced they had bought the Meadows Retail Park for £20million.