WORK is under way on a controversial project to transform Beaconsfield New Town's council green into an area for families to escape the hustle and bustle of the shops.

Once completed visitors to the green, in Station Parade, will be treated to a series of commemorative plaques marking historical connections with the town.

The site outside the town council offices has been redesigned to encompass a lit seating area complete with gazebo. But with a price-tag of £30,000 some residents are perturbed by the project.

Toby Goodger, architect commissioned to carry out the work, said: "There are eight plaques. Each will depict something historically linked to the town and there will be an informative sign as well.

They are steel panels which an artist will draw pictures on to.

"We are also constructing a seating area with lighting. It's been well designed and when it's finished I'm sure people will appreciate it."

Amongst the themes on which plaques will be based are Enid Blyton's famous child's characters Noddy and Big Ears.

The panel is the town's first tribute to the popular author who moved to Green Hedges, Beaconsfield in 1938, quite close to the council offices.

Other designs include the town's 700 year-old charter fair, a tribute to GK Chesterton and the local railway.

Town mayor Graham Smith, the man behind the plans, said the idea was to improve the green and give people somewhere to sit.

May 22, 2003 11:30