MAKEOVERS are planned for two of the Bromley borough's largest town centres.

Research was carried out around last Christmas to ask residents their views on Beckenham and Orpington.

Plans have now been drawn up for Beckenham and these will be put out for consultation to businesses and residents.

The improvements include spending about £200,000 to improve Beckenham Green in Beckenham High Street by planting more flowers and plants, increasing seating and building new pathways.

A new metal fence will enclose the children's play area and reinforced grass around the paths will allow markets to be held there.

The scheme includes a town sign which is expected to cost about £5,000 and the possibility of a £27,000 central art feature.

Bromley Council town centre project director Frank Whiting said: "I hope residents and businesses will support these proposals.

"Beckenham already has a great reputation as an urban village and the refurbishment of Beckenham Green together with a freshening-up of the street scene will enhance this even more."

Feedback from the surveys carried out in Orpington suggest people want wider choice and more exclusive shops.

They also want more parking spaces, cheaper parking, cleaner streets and for the streets to feel safer.

People also want a wider choice of restaurants and bars.

The council is considering a partial development scheme or refurbishment of The Walnuts shopping centre in Orpington High Street to improve the number of shops in the town.

Officers are developing a master plan to speed up the planning process for the area.

Mr Whiting added: "Meetings will be held to get stakeholder views in order to form a draft improvement plan.

"In addition, approval to prepare a master plan which will help to realise the development potential around the central area of the high street will be sought from the development control committee in December."

Cash for the makeovers will come from the council's town centre improvement fund.