FROGMOOR in High Wycombe town centre is set to finally reopen to traffic this week, following a £1 million facelift.

The road that links Oxford Street and the town centre with Glenisters Road has been closed since Easter while work was carried out.

Buckinghamshire County Council and Wycombe District Council have been carrying out the project designed to improve the area that has been neglected in recent years while other areas of the town centre were renovated.

The final stages of the improvements including new trees, uplighting and seating are due to be finished in around eight weeks. Council bosses hope the area will eventually have outdoor cafes.

The scheme to improve Frogmoor has faced problems with electricity cables and gas pipelines.

In May contractors accidentally severed an electricity cable causing a power cut that affected more than 300 shops and homes.

Despite cars being allowed to use the road, buses will still not be permitted until work on pavements and kerbs are finished.

A council spokesman said buses would continue to be diverted by Archway until further notice and added this was being done for safety reasons.

"Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum and maintain good access to shops during the work," he said.

An open space, enlarged pedestrian area and fountain are also planned for the eastern side of Frogmoor.

The spokesman added that the next stage of work is likely to last for another eight weeks.