Shopping area opens after revamp

The development celebrates figures from Portsmouth's past

A popular shopping street is reopening after a seven-month development costing more than £800,000.

The improvements to Arundel Street in Portsmouth will be celebrated with a two-day programme of arts events.

The revamp celebrates the area's cultural heritage with a paving showing a 'river of ink' in honour of writers such as Dickens and Conan Doyle.

The events on Thursday and Friday include street theatre performances, live music and face painting.

Councillor Mike Hancock, who will be officially opening the street, said: "I am delighted to see the transformation of Arundel Street and am certain that it will help to put the city centre firmly back on the south coast's retail map.

"The transformation of the street will help to generate new business confidence and create a more attractive and safer place to shop."