WORK on the multi-million pound shops development for Redcar town centre is forging ahead.

Ongoing construction work will mean that new traffic arrangements will come into force today, a week earlier than expected.

The £26m scheme, being constructed by Teesland Group plc in partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine, is the culmination of a joint venture between One NorthEast, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Teesland and Morrisons supermarkets.

The complex, covering 201,000sq ft, will provide 23 retail units, 650 parking spaces and a 70,000 sq ft Morrisons supermarket.

Phase two of the plan is timed to run until the end of November, with new traffic restrictions in place on West Dyke Road north of the railway crossing, meaning only buses and service vehicles will be able to drive north into town.

Diversion signs will be in place and the road will be open to all traffic coming out of town. At the same time, part of the new Morrisons carpark will be opened on a temporary basis, with access from Railway Terrace.

The car parking off Regent Street will stay the same.

At the beginning of next month, Lord Street will close between Regent Street and Alma parade and the rest of the car park to the rear of Kwik Save will be closed.

The link road between Lord Street and West Dyke Road will open about a month later and the traffic restrictions on West Dyke Road will come to an end.