Hornchurch is getting a new and improved pedestrian area.

The pedestrian access to the Queen’s Theatre and the Queen’s Green in Hornchurch will be improved with a new zebra crossing in North Street and safety enhancements in Billet Lane this month.

When it is complete by April 1 Havering Council hopes pedestrians will have a safer link from Hornchurch Library to the Queen’s Theatre and the Queen’s Green and then across Billet Lane to Langton’s House and Fairkytes Arts Centre.

The changes are part of the council’s Hornchurch Regeneration Scheme.

They were passed by the Highways Advisory Committee last month after they were discussed with the vision impaired members of Havering Local Involvement Network (LINk), volunteers who try to improve services in the borough.

Work will be done between 9am and 3.30pm in an attempt to keep disruptions to a minimum. A traffic management plan is expected to be in place during the works.

Cabinet member for community empowerment, Robert Benham, said: “Since we have refurbished Hornchurch Library and improved the Queen’s Green we have seen more pedestrians crossing from North Street and Billet Lane.

“We realise there may be some inconveniences while the work is being carried out, however when completed it will reduce the likelihood of accidents and make the area safer for motorists and pedestrians.”

Meanwhile other changes in Hornchurch include a scheme to remove a traffic-controlled pedestrian crossing in High Street; making a kerb-protected pedestrian crossing so people can cross the road during gaps in the traffic; removing the railings; and making a longer bus stop lay-by in High Street opposite Ask restaurant.

Cllr John Mylod (Residents’ Association) last week called for the council to hold a public meeting into the town regeneration proposals. But this was rejected by the council.

The Highways Advisory Committee will be meeting on Tuesday to discuss the plans.