Archived press release

Date Published: 26/07/07

Tree maintenance work will shortly start in Aylesbury’s Vale Park as part of a £2 million redevelopment project. Over the next few weeks, four Leylandii trees in the formal gardens will be removed to enable Aylesbury Vale District Cou...

Tree maintenance work will shortly start in Aylesbury’s Vale Park as part of a £2 million redevelopment project.

Over the next few weeks, four Leylandii trees in the formal gardens will be removed to enable Aylesbury Vale District Council to start work on the third and final phase of the park’s refurbishment.

The removal of the Leylandii trees will allow the council to create a rose and shrub garden as part of its plans to completely rebuild the formal gardens. The design of the formal gardens will be based upon the original design of the park, which was drawn up by Thomas Mawson & Sons, the leading park design company of the 1920s.

Two large weeping willow trees in the park will also be removed due to health and safety concerns. The work is being undertaken following tests by an independent tree specialist, which revealed that both willows were badly decayed and likely to collapse during gales or hot summer weather.

AVDC will be planting more trees in the park to benefit the local environment and further improve the attractiveness of the area. The first stage of the scheme is planned for this winter when six new trees will be planted.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Care is being taken to ensure minimum impact on the environment and the trees will be felled outside the bird nesting season. It’s always sad to see mature trees having to be felled, but we have to follow the advice of our independent advisor. However, as part of the long-term management of the park, more trees will be planted to improve the natural environment of the park.”

The first phase of the Vale Park redevelopment project was carried out in 2005 with the creation of a new children’s play area and a footpath on to Park Street. Work on the second phase of the redevelopment – the sports zone – was completed in 2006. This area of the park has a grass bowling green, two hard surface tennis courts, and a multi-sports area suitable for football and basketball.

The final phase of the project will include the renovation of the formal gardens, the creation of a new entrance at the bottom of the High Street and improved seating and lighting. A bid will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in September to help realise these developments for the benefit of local people.

Residents can find out more about the Vale Park redevelopment project at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or by calling 01296 585228.