Penarth Esplanade is set for a series of improvements in the latest round of upgrading work carried out by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Contractors have been commissioned to undertake the £200,000 project, which will see the pier, pavilion and surrounding areas painted and refurbished, with further road resurfacing work also taking place.

Railings, benches, bollards, lighting columns, decking around the pavilion, the Pier Head Hut and toilets will be painted as part of work expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Scaffolding required for elements of the scheme will be erected in sections to preserve the appearance of the area and ensure minimal disruption to businesses.

Whilst a two-week programme of road resurfacing is completed, sections of highway between Bridgeman Road and Marine Parade will be closed during the daytime on weekdays from October 11 to 22.

However, the Big Fresh Catering Company's popular café and other businesses on the esplanade and pier will remain open as normal.

This refurbishment follows earlier work on the esplanade, which has included road resurfacing and pavement alterations.

It is part of a comprehensive set of improvements implemented by the Council since it took over operation of the pavilion in February.

Cllr Kathryn McCaffer, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, said: "We know how important Penarth Esplanade is to residents and visitors alike. It is an iconic location that has proved popular for more than 100 years and one that we believe has a very bright future.

"Having lived in Penarth since I was a child, I'm very excited to see how the esplanade and pavilion will look at the end of the works.

"They, along with the pier, will undergo a comprehensive programme of painting and refurbishment to get them looking back to their best.

"We hope that will make the area even more appealing, increasing visitor numbers and boosting the local economy."

The pavilion cinema and bar have already reopened and discussions are ongoing over staging more musical and artistic events at the venue.

Other suggestions to come out of a recent public survey include using the building as a street-food space and holding classes and group sessions there.