Improvements planned for St Albans park

A PROGRAMME of work which is part of an ongoing improvement scheme at the city’s largest park has been endorsed by the council’s cabinet.

The projects proposed for Verulamium Park in St Albans include the construction of a woodland walk, the possible implementation of a new dedicated north-south cycle route and improvements to the toilet provision near the splash park and the Inn on the Park.

A master plan to improve the park was agreed by cabinet in 2008 with a number of local groups and societies involved in drawing it up and implementing it.

So far there have been a number of improvements including the upgrading and refurbishment of the Causeway toilets, the completion of the Adizone and improvements to the cricket pavilion.

A budget of �150,000 is still available to continue with the project which has come up against a couple unexpected setbacks including a requirement for archaeological excavations to be carried out before tree planting is carried out in areas of the Ancient Monument and the condition of a drain which runs through the site designated for a labyrinth garden.

It is in need of substantial repair and is the responsibility of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust which cannot afford to pay for the work. A cheaper solution is now being sought.

In addition to the work in the park itself, council officers are due to meet with the Heritage Lottery Fund in the next couple of weeks to investigate funding for a development feasibility study of Verulamium Museum.

Endorsing the next phase of work at last night’s cabinet meeting, Cllr Chris Oxley, described the park as “the lung of the city” and added: “To have such a magnificent facility so close is really commendable and I congratulate everyone who has been involved in it so far.”