WINCHESTER civic chiefs are preparing to start work on a long-awaited improvement scheme for the Casson Block in the city centre.

The city council is proposing to spend £150,000 on creating a terrace seating area with planters outside the shops units in St George's Street.

Tendering for the work has begun and views of local business and the City of Winchester Trust into the design have been held.

The council is also considering a £10,000 public art scheme. It wants to remove the phone box but BT has said that will cost them a prohibitive £12,000.

Also being considered is relocating the air quality monitoring unit.