Schools and youth groups are the first to be consulted about a £192,000 revamp for Braintree's main square.

Braintree Council has launched a scheme to refurbish Market Place in a bid to make the town centre more attractive.

And council officers have taken their draft proposals to youngsters to gain feedback and extra ideas.

Project manager Peter Chisnall said the scheme was in its early stages but an exhibition was due to go on show to the public in the spring.

He added: "We've taken our views to young people first because this is one of the council's main aims for the year - to get them more involved in our projects.

"But we are keen to ensure everyone who uses Market Place is consulted and this includes the elderly, disabled, stallholders and taxi drivers.

"We decided Market Place was the right area for improvements because it is the focal point of the town centre. It is the main hub and is seen as the main High Street gateway by many visitors and shoppers.

"However, the extent of the improvements does depend on the amount of money we can raise."

The project has a kitty of £192,000 from the Freeport planning agreement, but officers are hopeful of more funds.

Mr Chisnall said a bid for lottery funding was possible and hinted the Market Place project could be tied in with a recent application from Braintree Museum.

Early proposals have so far mainly looked at improvements such as lighting, signposting and street cleaning. But a full-scale facelift will be considered if enough money is found from external sources.

The project was launched to tie in with the opening of the Freeport factory shopping village last November.

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