A MASTERPLAN to regenerate the centre of Heanor has begun with the repaving of the town's Derby Road and Market Street.

The £255,000 project, run by Amber Valley Borough Council, will be followed by other projects to improve signage to the town centre and make empty shops look more attractive later in the year.

The repaving is expected to be completed by early May.

Council leader Stuart Bradford said: "I have stressed the importance of the Heanor Masterplan on many occasions, so I am particularly delighted to see work finally get under way, and tangible evidence start to appear, of our commitment to regenerating the town."

Letters will inform owners of homes and businesses before work outside their properties.