Work is continuing by the Plymouth City Centre Company on improving and brightening up the West End.

The now-closed KFC has been given a makeover with a stylish vinyl wrap to highlight the new West End Plymouth branding and appeal to new businesses to set up there.

The West End is earning a growing reputation for its food offer with a number of new businesses opening in recent months in and outside Plymouth Market.

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, which created the new brand for the area, said:“ The West End has had its problems but it is a vibrant community with a great mix of independent businesses. Now that we have the brand and our own website and social media channels, we are looking to work with businesses to create a new atmosphere.”

Already the West End has taken on a colourful new look, with the new brand visible on lamp post banners, street furniture and shop windows.

Work is expected to start in the next few weeks on new planting schemes and that will be followed by the transformation of Frankfort Gate into a more family-friendly public space with new paving, street furniture and lighting.

Mr Hughes added:“ We want every business in the West End to join with us in sharing their stories on the website and our social media channels and getting people to fall in love with this part of the city.

“ It will take time to get where we want to be but we are moving in the right direction and attracting new visitors all the time.”