THE long-awaited ban on traffic on Braintree town centre is set to be enforced in the coming days following a four-week(?) delay.

Braintree Council has confirmed tough new restrictions on vehicular access in Market Place, Great Square and High Street will come into place from Monday.

Both cars and buses will be banned from travelling through the town centre as part of the pedestrianisation scheme.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times and deliveries will be permitted on High Street between 6am and 10am.

The new rules were due to come into effect back in August but they were pushed back a month due to "last minute changes" to the pedestrianisation project.

A council spokesman said: "We apologise for the slight delay in the closure – this week if you visit, live or work in the town centre you’ll see advanced signage go up to make people aware of the upcoming changes.

"As always thank you all for your support and patience with the project - we can't wait to see the final look and we hope you'll join us in your support too."

Two bus stops in High Street will be closed and relocated to stands at Manor Street.

Blue badge holders will also be asked to use new parking bays in Bank Street, George Yard Shopping Centre, Tesco or Sainsbury's car park due to the closure of spaces in Market Place.

Council bosses insist the delay to the traffic ban will not interfere with the pedestrianisation project's completion date in January.

The £2.95m scheme will see pavements levelled and resurfaced, extra seating added, trees planted and lighting installed throughout the town centre.

Bosses hope the new additions will make the area more attractive to visitors and create a healthier and greener setting for residents.

As well as adding trees and furniture, bosses say additional cleaning work to the pavements at New Street and Market Street has been organised as part of the project.

All High Street shops will remain open during work taking place throughout the coming months.