Work starts on entertainment space

Contractors moved in to remove the fountain on Howard Street as part of the scheme to create a market square that Rotherham Council claimed will “offer seating and provide extra space for events, promotions and entertainment”.

Council officials have confirmed that the works should be complete by the end of March, and the project is expected to cost £50,000.

New flagstones and ground-fixings for market stalls will be installed along with seating.

The council’s spokesman for town centres, Coun Richard Russell, said: “The aim of the improvement scheme is to open up the entrance to the Rotherham markets complex and make better use of the space for town centre events, promotions and entertainment, such as the regular street markets.

“This new square is one of several exciting projects ongoing in the town centre – such as the improvements to the Minster Yard and the development of the All Saints’s pocket park – which will improve the town centre environment for both shoppers and visitors alike.”