Devon County Council (DCC) has confirmed that work has started on a £3m scheme to transform Exmouth Strand in a bid to create a more attractive place for visitors.

Dorset-based Mildren Construction is carrying out the work as part of the five-stage project, which is expected to be "substantially complete" by the town's Remembrance Day parade on 14 November. The first phase of work is underway and is expected to take two weeks to complete, including alterations to the islands and signals in Imperial Road and Rolle Street and changes to the traffic management system.

Phase Two - due to start on 22 March - will take nine weeks and will see the installation of new paving and changes to street layouts to the south west side of the Strand between Victoria Road and St Andrews. Further alterations to the south west side, as well as improvements to the north west side, will form phase three starting 17 May for about 11 weeks, while the fourth stage will get underway on 27 July to upgrade the central area.

The final part of work is due to get underway on 18 October to carry out road improvements and landscaping. DCC cabinet member for highways and transportation Stuart Hughes said: "This project will completely transform the Strand area in Exmouth, creating a more vibrant place to visit and spend time. It will become a focal point for locals and visitors, making it vital to the future of the town centre's economy."