STOWMARKET town centre looks set to receive a £120,000 makeover to streamline its appearance and attract new shops.Senior councillors and officers at Mid Suffolk District Council hope the proposed changes will lift Stowmarket from being a community sandwiched between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds into a town that can attract high-quality retailers from the big chains.

STOWMARKET town centre looks set to receive a £120,000 makeover to streamline its appearance and attract new shops.

Senior councillors and officers at Mid Suffolk District Council hope the proposed changes will lift Stowmarket from being a community sandwiched between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds into a town that can attract high-quality retailers from the big chains.

The initiative includes extending the stone paving, which was laid around the parish church and Corn Exchange a few years ago, to the north side of the church tower and through to the town centre.

The circular brick seating area opposite the market would be replaced with new seating and a bus shelter installed in Ipswich Street, under the plans.

New seats and cycle racks would also be brought in, and lanterns would be changed to a simpler, more traditional style as part of the makeover.