WORK to introduce traffic changes as part of the regeneration of Bracknell town centre began yesterday (Wednesday).

The section of High Street outside the former Red Lion pub is closed to traffic for eight weeks, though businesses remain open.

When it reopens, the one-way system will be reversed, so traffic will travel up The Ring and left into High Street, rather than down High Street and onto The Ring.

The change in traffic flow is needed so vehicles can still exit the town centre when the top part of The Ring, between the High Street junction and Easthampstead House, is closed later this spring.

The part of The Ring that will be shut will form part of the new town centre.

The work in High Street West, between The Ring and Market Street, will be followed by work on Weather Way, which will prepare The Ring by Easthampstead House, so cars can still access the council building. This work is due to start in approximately two weeks.

The preparatory work will allow for The Ring north of High Street to be closed in about two months’ time so that service mains, including water and electricity mains, can be diverted ahead of any construction work.

Have you been affected? Are you in favour of these works for the future of the town or are they too much of a hassle?