Work finally began on the much-anticipated revamp in December with the necessary infrastructure being installed as drains, electricity cables and temporary traffic lights were put in place.

The project has been organised by local development agency Yorkshire Forward and North Lincolnshire Council with a major obstacle removed when the George and Dragon public house was demolished.

When completed - hopefully by April - the Market Place will boast a bistro/cafe with outside seating as well as eye-catching water features, high quality stone paving and improved lighting.

It is also hoped the site will be able to hold events such as farmers' markets and fairs as well as benefiting from more car parking spaces and a reduction in size of the bus lane.

There have, however, been mixed opinions on the Market Place redevelopment.

Johnson's Lane resident Joan McHugh said: "It remains to be seen if it brings any more work or shops into Crowle and that's what's needed. All they are doing is ripping up one floor and putting another one down."

Local butcher David Parkin welcomed the investment but questioned parking capacity.

He said: "I am chuffed to bits they have found the money for Crowle. It's 20 years overdue but whether the money has been well spent I will wait until it's finished before I make up my mind.

"I wish there was more parking because when it's finished there will only be five regular bays and two for disabled."

Ealand resident Lynn Moore, of Outgate, said she was worried it would change the character of Crowle.

She added: "I like villages to stay villages, that's the beauty of them, but it's a small rural village which is turning into a small town now."

But Church Street resident and town councillor Ron Stewart welcomed the ongoing work.

He said: "I think it's very good progress. It demonstrates that some sceptics were wrong when they said it wasn't going to happen because it is happening and it can only be good for the town."

Crowle town councillor Mel Bailey explained the parking situation has been addressed with the creation of new spaces close to the ongoing development.

He said: "It does look like a building site but it should start taking shape when the roadway goes in. We didn't want to clutter the Market Place up with cars as it needs to be accessible again and this is why there is considerably more parking just 20 to 30 yards away.

"And we are now looking at the next phase in trying to attract new businesses."

Businesses interested in relocating to the Market Place should contact Jenny Couch on 01724 297329.