Problems with puddles could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a £1.1 million scheme to improve the streets of Wellington.

The scheme, which is part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s Borough Towns Initiative, will introduce new high quality paving along New Street and Market Square to link in with Bell Street, Duke Street and Crown Street, which have already been repaved.

And the new look streets promise to sort out previous problems with puddles in some of the town’s shopping streets, according to Andrew Eade, leader of the council.

He said: “The scheme to repave these additional streets is part of a major project to transform Wellington and make it more attractive and accessible for residents and visitors.

“At the moment there are some issues with the old paving being uneven and allowing puddles to collect when it rains. It is hoped the new paving will eliminate this and sort out any issues with water drainage in those parts of the town centre.”

Councillor Miles Hosken, who owns a shop in Market Street, said the regeneration of Wellington’s street would help to boost the town’s appeal to shoppers and traders.

He said: “The work will be beneficial to Wellington traders and businesses, and will help to strengthen the town’s economy by creating an attractive centre for shoppers and visitors and making the town even more accessible.

“Wellington is the focus of a lot of improvements and initiatives at the moment which will all help to put the town on the map and make it well worth a visit now and in the future.”

Work on the paving will start in the spring of 2011 and will be extended along New Street, Market Square and the area outside Rasputin’s pub, to visually link the town centre streets.

The scheme is in addition to the major regeneration of Wellington civic quarter, plan- ned to start early in 2010.

Together the schemes will create walkways to link the medieval centre of Wellington to the main town car parks. Trees, seating areas and artwork will also create a modern pedestrian entrance to Wellington, complementing its existing medieval streets.

Public consultation on the scheme will take place early in the new year.

By Lisa Rowley