An entrance to Clarence Park was closed for several days last week after rotting timber was found during a routine inspection.

Herts Advertiser: The new woodwork on the stairs at Clarence ParkThe new woodwork on the stairs at Clarence Park (Image: Archant)

The beauty spot has five pedestrian entry points, giving visitors access from three sides of the park.

But there were safety concerns after some timber was found to have become rotten at the access ramp off Hatfield Road, according to Richard Shwe, head of community services at St Albans council.

He said the entrance was closed to pedestrians from last Tuesday (17) to ensure the safety of the public and to allow repairs to be carried out immediately, as the stairs and ramp were unsafe.

Richard said: “This work was made a priority and finished by Friday afternoon with the entrance reopening in time for the weekend.

Herts Advertiser: The new woodwork on the stairs at Clarence ParkThe new woodwork on the stairs at Clarence Park (Image: Archant)

“We acted swiftly so that users of the park entrance were not inconvenienced for longer than necessary.

“Councillors recently agreed to replace the entrance, which is reaching the end of its life, with a brick, stone and steel structure. Work on that will start later this year.”

As pointed out in a 2015-2019 council management plan for the park, because of the ramp’s wood construction, more and more of it has had to be renewed over recent years.