New trees to ‘live longer’ in Preston park

Disease resistant Elm trees are being planted on Riverside Walk in Preston's Miller Park to replace an avenue of trees which became diseased in 2010.

A ceremonial event is taking place on Thursday 27 January at 1.15pm where the Lord Mayor of Preston, Cllr Albert Richardson, will be assisted by children from Frenchwood Community Primary School to plant the last trees in the avenue.

Preston City Council said the completion of the avenue marks an important milestone in the project to restore Avenham and Miller Parks to their original Victorian designs.

Cllr Anthony Gornall, cabinet member for environment, said: "The avenue is extremely important to park users and the people of Preston and I am delighted that we are able to replant it. The original trees were planted over 150 years ago and these new trees should live even longer.

"The restoration project is reaching its conclusion and the parks are looking absolutely fantastic, they are certainly a city centre gem and there is no doubt they are amongst the finest parks in the country."

The North West Development Agency and the Heritage Lottery Fund have supported the project.