By Town Centre Manager JANE MUCKLE

EXCITING changes for the town centre are now just around the corner.

The first major development this autumn will be the demolition of the old bus station and Kingfisher House, making way for a Wilkinsons store, a food hall, Healthlands Health and Fitness Club and a new state-of-the-art bus station complete with coach and taxi facilities.

As a temporary measure, the bus station will be re-located to Church Green West, a short-term disruption which is necessary to aid long-term gain and benefit for our town centre.

The good news that Car Park 7 is due to be re-opened prior to the change, offering short-stay car parking, has been welcomed as a positive move and will enable visitors easier access to facilities in the area, including doctors' surgeries, banks and shops.

As part of our ongoing campaign to Keep Redditch Tidy, businesses in the town centre are installing cigarette litter bins outside their premises and Marks & Spencer have kindly agreed sponsorship towards the cost of additional bins in public places.

The town centre hanging basket competition has been a great success, with more than 50 entries.

Congratulations to worthy winners Dixons Estate Agents for scooping the first prize - family tickets to the Palace panto - with the Works and HSBC claiming second and third prizes.

Thanks to all those taking part and helping to make our town centre a more attractive place.

Don't forget that its Redditch Carnival on Saturday, September 16.

From Wednesday, September 13, to Saturday, September 16, inclusive, the specially adapted vehicle parking spaces in Church Green East will be closed.

This will not affect the disabled parking at the rear of The Sportsman for orange badge holders.