The work to improve the town centre is expected to take 20 weeks

One phase of the scheme has already been completed but now the section between West Cliff Gardens and Debenhams will be worked on.

Pavements will be replaced with Italian volcanic stone and lantern-style street lamps put in, along with granite seats and new litter bins. The �800,000 project, funded by money from the EU, will take five months.

Minimal disruption to shoppers

The style and character of the work will mirror changes already created at the lower end of Sandgate Road.

Most of the trees will be retained although the existing planters will make way for the new-style layout.

To keep the disruption to shoppers to a minimum, the centre of the pedestrianised section will be done first, followed by the outer strips.

The improvements are part of a European-funded scheme to improve Folkestone and Boulogne town centres.

Shepway Council - in partnership with South Kent College and Folkestone Town Centre Management - was awarded �861,000 from the European Interreg III programme that aims to support cross-border projects.

Other projects include customer service training, initiatives to raise the quality of shops and cross-channel promotional activities, including a bi-lingual shopping guide and web site.