FANCY brickwork and a brass plaque depicting the history of Accrington will soon be in place at a recently renovated town centre site to give shoppers a taste of the past.

Decorative railings, two metal oak trees and frieze panels have already been installed at the end of Avenue Parade as part of a council environmental improvement scheme.

Now development services councillors have agreed that Phase Two of the work should begin so it can be completed in time for the Britain in Bloom competition.

The town is entering the contest for the first time and the plot in Avenue Parade will be judged in June.

All new features on the site recognise the historical background of the road as the driveway to Accrington House, owned by the Peel family. As part of Phase Two, a circular decorative brickwork design showing the connection of Robert Peel with the Metropolitan Police Force, commonly known as Peelers, will be formed in the centre of the seating area.

The brickwork will depict the hats they wore and the brass buttons of their uniform.

Sir Robert Peel was also responsible for the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 which will be illustrated in the design as grains of corn.

In the centre of the brickwork there will be a brass plaque outlining a brief history of Accrington House.

The scheme costs £5,000 and is funded by the Facelift Schemes budget.

It is intended to enhance the visual aspect of the environment.

Coun Wendy Dwyer said: "Listening to people over the last few weeks it seems that even those who thought this was a waste of public money have now been won over to agree with us.

"I am very pleased with the scheme."

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