Major work to restore Preston’s Avenham and Miller Parks to their original Victorian designs is continuing to take shape and park users will notice some significant changes in the coming weeks.

The historic avenue of trees along Riverside walk in Miller Park will begin to be removed from next week in order to ensure the diseased and dying trees are not a danger to the public. Fortunately, other horse chestnut trees in Avenham Park have not been affected by disease.

The trees along Riverside Walk are to be replaced by disease resistant elm trees to create a new avenue which will last for generations.

Councillor Anthony Gornall, cabinet member for environment said:

 “It is extremely sad that the trees along Riverside Walk have become diseased and reached the end of their life and are 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 whilst the work continues. We are unable to plant the new avenue of trees until drainage and paving work has been carried out which should be in the Autumn.

Work is also taking place to restore the Japanese Garden to its original plans and open up views which have since been blocked by overgrown trees and shrubs.

The removal of many diseased and dead trees will make way for the planting of over 500 new trees and 32,000 plants, beginning in the Spring.

Feedback from the public around the work carried out so far in the park has been extremely positive with many commenting on the fantastic views which have been opened up of the River as well as the increased feeling of safety now that the cutting back of overgrown trees and plants is taking place meaning vision in the park is increased.

Anyone wishing to discuss the work in the parks with one of our rangers will be able to do so on Friday 19 February between 2pm – 4pm at the pavilion.

Background information

•  The £2.5 million restoration project, which has been funded by the North West Regional Development Agency and the Heritage Lottery Fund is due to be completed in November 2010.
•  Park users can sign up to receive the latest updates about the project from Preston the Park Keepers blog.
• The parks will be open whilst the work takes place including the annual Easter egg rolling event on 5th April in Avenham Park. Some restrictions to certain areas will be in place on weekdays to ensure public safety.
• The wood from the felled trees will be chipped for biomass fuelled power generation.
• Bleeding Canker is a common disease of horse chestnut trees. The disease infects the bark around the trunk and main branches. As it spreads, it cuts off the water supply to the crown; and when it completely encircles the trunk, the tree will die. The disease has risen markedly in the UK since 2003, and now approximately one half of all horse chestnuts in Great Britain are affected and showing symptoms to some degree. The first symptom is a sticky liquid oozing from blemishes on the bark of infected trunks. Later, the bark peels away, exposing a characteristically brown-orange stained inner bark below, and the whole tree shows a yellowing of foliage and premature leaf drop. Eventually the crown dies. There is no known treatment, and cutting out the infected branches may even be counter-productive. In most cases the disease will progress and will eventually kill the tree, or weaken it to the point that it becomes dangerous and has to be felled.
• Riverside Café in the pavilion will be open as normal.
• A nature walk and various children’s activities will be taking place on 17/02/10 between 1.30pm and 3.00pm.
• The regular Friday health walks are still taking place from 1pm – 2pm on Fridays setting off from the pavilion.
• Notice of Riverside Walk road closure in Miller Park.

Caseys and Subcontractor for Tree works propose closure of the walk to allow felling of the Chestnut Avenue. Closure is needed for public safety and safety of operatives on riverside.

Intended Dates of Closure:
Mon 8th February 2010 to Friday 26th February 2010. Riverside Walk will be opened at weekends only.

Area of closure:
North Union railway arch fenced across at east side/ East Lancashire arch fenced across/ fence across Miller Park in line with foot of Derby Terrace to close all paths into valley floor. Safety fencing must exclude public a regulation minimum distance from the tree of 3 times its height.

Traffic Management:
Vehicle Deliveries to Pavilion and Avenham Park Lodge must use Ribblesdale Place or West Cliff entrances. Caseys will notify the road closure/diversion to Police and other emergency services, and other park properties e.g. residents of Avenham Park Lodge, & Pavilion.
Path diversions for cycles and pedestrians from South Meadow Lane entrance via West Cliff to Derby Walk, to Ivy Bridge, to Japanese Garden rear Walk, to Riverside in Avenham Park. Diversion signage is required at all junctions in both directions by Caseys.

Programme of Chestnut Avenue felling,
Mon 8 Feb - start felling, and liaise on site with Ecologist on potential bat roosts and their protection or relocation if found.
Mon 15th Feb - MEWP on site to start to deal with certain trees, including potential bat roosts in liaison on site with Ecologist. Spaces prepared for Crane access and hard-standing on Riverside Walk by felling gaps on inside line of trees.
Crane on site to aid felling remaining Chestnuts including lowering large limbs & trunks of Chestnuts, including those limbs over the Ribble.

Disposal of timber: arisings stored in herras fenced compound beside Riverside Walk awaiting removal by heavy lorries.

Date Updated: 09/02/10