WORK in the town centre in preparation for the installation of new art work will not be completed until September, but town centre bosses are confident that the disruption will not drive shoppers away.

The artworks, which will cost £760,000, are being created by American artist Howard Ben Tre and have been surrounded by controversy since they were announced.

But Mike Hannon, chairman of the town centre panel, said that although there is some disruption in the town centre it does not appear to be driving shoppers away.

He said: "Before we start any town centre work we have got to be aware that there is going to be disruption and we are trying to minimise it, and to a great extent we have been successful. I have heard positive comments and the odd whinge."

But Clr Hannon said the work is currently on the right time scale.

He added: "We have tried to go through consultations with retailers as they are our eyes and ears.

"Along with the arts centre, people are going to be part of a busy vibrant town."

Work has ceased on the arts centre since the contractors went into liquidation and the council has been re-tendering the work.

Clr Hannon said they will be opening tenders on Friday, which will then be valuated before work continues.