Walsall Arboretum improvements gather pace

Boasting new decking areas, a refurbished bandstand and a neat and tidy rose garden - the multi-million pound revamp of Walsall Arboretum is gathering pace.

Work is forging ahead on the £7.6 million project, which got under way 18 months ago.

And council chiefs today said the benefits of the refurbishment will clearly be seen by the time children descend on the town's premier park for the long school holidays.

Landscaping work at the huge park is due to be completed next month.

Leisure chief Councillor Anthony Harris said: "We thank visitors and residents for their patience while this important work is being carried out but we are delighted to say that the benefits of the refurbishment will be apparent by the school summer holidays.

"People will get a real feel for the park's potential and will be able to appreciate the fantastic progress that has been made so far.

"We feel we have re-established the aspirations of those who were involved in its design originally."

Footpaths across the 80-acre park are being resurfaced and new bins and benches have been installed.

Gardeners have been making the most of the recent good weather and planting work is now drawing to a close with areas such as the rose garden now boasting neat edges and beautiful blooms.

The park's tennis courts have been refurbished and landscaping work at the old Tea Garden is continuing apace.