CENOTAPH GETS A NEW LOOK

PEOPLE

walking through Astley Park will be able to enjoy better views of the cenotaph

after thick shrubbery was removed to make the area more befitting of its

importance.

 

Rhododendrons

and a variety of other shrubs were cut back earlier in the week by Chorley

Council to reduce anti social behaviour and make way for a new footpath that

will improve access to the popular park.

 

Councillor

John Walker, who is responsible for parks and open spaces at Chorley Council,

said: “The area around the cenotaph is now much more open and it’s more

befitting of the war memorial.

 

“Before

it was overshadowed by the shrubbery, which blocked views of the cenotaph

during important ceremonies and had led to some reports of anti social

behaviour.

 

“The

plan now is to create a new footpath leading down towards the cenotaph from the

Queen’s Road car park to provide alternative access to the steep pathway that

currently exists.”

 

The

clearance work, which started on Monday, took a couple of days to complete and

now provides greater views of the memorial. Council workers are now tidying the

land up before work starts on a new access route into the park.

 

“We

hope people will notice a big difference as they walk through that part of the

park and it’s certainly made the area much lighter,” said Coun Walker.

 

“We

expect work to start on the footpath next month and hope that it will be a big

improvement for people who struggle to get up and down the steep footpath from

the car park.”