A Japanese Garden in the parks (above) will be revamped as part of the work in Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston. Photo: avenhampark.org
A £2.5 million restoration project is set to transform Preston’s Avenham and Miller Parks back to their original Victorian designs.
Scores of dead and diseased specimens will be removed to make way for the planting of 500 new trees and 32,000 plants, beginning in the spring.
An historic avenue of horse chestnut trees along Riverside walk in Miller Park will have to be removed to ensure the trees pose no danger to the public and replaced by a new avenue of disease-resistant elm trees. Wood from the felled trees will be chipped for biomass fuelled power generation.
"It is extremely sad that the trees along Riverside Walk have become diseased and reached the end of their life," said cabinet member for environment Anthony Gornall, who admitted they were "a risk to people using the park."
"However, the funding we have received ensures the opportunity to create a new avenue which can be enjoyed by Prestonians for many years to come.
"Park users are going to notice a big difference in the park while the work continues."
The ongoing cutting back of overgrown trees and plants has opened up fresh views of the river. Park users have commented on their increased sense of safety now that vision in the park has increased.
The scheme has been funded by the North West Regional Development Agency and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is due to be completed in November 2010.
Visit the Park Keeper’s blog to keep up to speed with the work.
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