Changes to a Marlow shopping street that have been in the pipeline for more than three years are set to go ahead this year.

The long-awaited makeover of Spittal Street – which was first announced in January 2015 – will include new paving and drainage channels, as well as wall-mounted LED lanterns to replace lamp posts in a bid to free up pavement space.

The contentious improvements were unveiled by the town council as part of its Vision for Marlow in January 2015 and were initially planned to go ahead in April that year.

However, the project was delayed until April 2016 due to problems arranging the costs, and then postponed again, with the town council admitting the plans had “gone back to the drawing board” last year.

Wycombe District Council (WDC) confirmed this week that the £200,000 joint project between WDC, Marlow Town Council and Sorbon Estates – initially estimated at £100,000 – is expected to start in mid-May.

Marlow Town Council’s funding will come from Community Infrastructure Levy income and WDC’s funding from S106 contributions.

Speaking about what the work will mean for the area, town councillor Richard Scott said: “This project started with a vision for improvements to Spittal Street, a key entry point to Marlow and an important retail destination.

“We’re very pleased that through collaborative working we’re now able to deliver the scheme, which will greatly enhance this part of the town.”

But the works have been slammed by businesses and residents, who fear they will create traffic and parking problems.

Rotarian and resident Lance Slater said: “In my view it is a total waste of money. It will just cause further disruption for traffic flow.

“It seems to me [like they are] almost spending money for the sake of it. There are so many other things the money could be spent on. The difference it will make to Spittal Street will be absolutely minimal.”

And Russell Spencer, assistant manager at Repertoire, in the High Street, said the works would cause “even more problems” in the busy road.

He said: “It is the main street in and out of Marlow. It will also affect trade.

“It feels like for the past year-and-a-half everything has been against the shops – with the bridge closing and more recently the Handy Cross works.

“It’s going to affect parking while they’re doing it. It seems silly really. I can see more upheaval [being caused].”

WDC said the works will be carried out overnight to minimise disruption.

Cllr David Johncock, cabinet member for planning at WDC, said: “We are delighted to see this work going ahead.

“This is a great piece of partnership working between the local authorities and local business and will bring a huge improvement to this key gateway to the town.”