Dereham Market Place is undergoing a £610,000 revamp to improve bus services and accessibility.

The works began on January 12 and were originally scheduled to finish on March 20.

However, Norfolk County Council has now said the new look market area could be unveiled as soon as tomorrow (March 13).

Norfolk County Council said the Market Place could reopen a week earlier than planned (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for the council said: "We are on track to finish the work ahead of schedule and are hoping to have the market place reopened this Friday morning, barring any unforeseen circumstances".

The news will be welcome for businesses and traders in the town, who said they have been impacted by the road closures and disruption.

One sales assistant had even described the works as "a nail in the coffin" for the town centre.

The works were initially scheduled to last until March 20 (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Alison Webb, who represents Dereham Neatherd ward at Breckland, said: "I am very, very pleased to hear that the works are going to be finished early and I'm sure residents and businesses will feel the same.

"I know there has been a lot of upheaval and I feel for all the shops, tourists and visitors who have had to put up with the hassle over the last few weeks, but the changes were much-needed.

"There's never an easy time to do roadworks, but the improvements will bring more and more people into the town and be beneficial in the long run".

The works are part of the county council's Bus Service Improvement Plan and include installing a zebra crossing, adding new shelters with electronic displays, and increasing bus capacity.

The £610,000 revamp is part of an effort to improve bus services and accessibility in the town (Image: Newsquest)

The final stage of the project, which began on March 2, involves resurfacing the Market Place.

Stuart Green, a councillor and head of the markets and buildings committee at Dereham Town Council, added: "It's always welcome news when roadworks finish early, especially after all the disruption.

"It's good for businesses as they can hopefully get back to normal and it will be great to see the improvements and new bus stops in action.

"I think it will be fantastic to see people back in the town and back in the market".

© Eastern Daily Press