IMPROVEMENTS to Beaconsfield Old Town have given the historic conservation area a new lease of life, town chiefs have said.

Although actual parking space has been lost, Simon Gray, the man behind the South Bucks District Council scheme, is happy with the end result.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony last month, Mr Gray said: "It has taken a lot of hard work to get here. I know that people are beginning to see it as a definite improvement to the town."

And the revamp balances the traditional feel of the town with the need to improve safety and public access, he said.

The area at the corner of The Saracen's Head pub has been pedestrianised and bollards have been used to stop parking.

But Peter Boddy, who lives in the Old Town, is not happy that parking has been lost.

He said: "The trouble with the area is that it is common land they cannot put markings on the roads.

He added: "I don't think more pedestrianised areas will do much for the town."

But overall the mood at the unveiling was positive, with many town and district councillors turning out for the event. The unveiling was Cllr Alan Walters' final duty as mayor of Beaconsfield.

He said: "It looks wonderful and has made a big improvement. The parking is looking tidier already."

Georgian-style lampposts and hanging baskets have been added and stone paving has replaced tarmac footpaths. Planters, benches, an old fashioned red telephone box and mosaics, designed by artist Maggie Howarth, with help from pupils at The Beaconsfield School and Butler's Court Schoo, have also been added.

Dominic Grieve, MP for the town, said: "I'm very impressed it has given the Old Town a really great feel."

Other areas have been earmarked for redevelopment but funds have not yet been allocated.

Frank Armstrong, president of the Beaconsfield Old Town Residents Association, added: "When I think of how long it took to do this section, how long is it going to take to do the whole of Beaconsfield?"