Update on the restoration of Eldon Square Gardens

I've had a few queries over the last few weeks from local residents about Eldon Square Gardens, including "what's happened to the path?", "where have the gates gone?" etc Unfortuanately due to no fault on the part of the Parks Team, the project has suffered a number of delays which have hampered it's completion. This doesn't detract for a moment from the huge amount of work that has gone into the restoration of the Gardens and the massive improvement which has taken place.

I had an update today from officers about the restoration projects, the main points are as follows:

• The paths have been relaid, and still require the final resurfacing gravel coat. There have been delays as the Council needed to find a specialist contractor to do the work.
• The laid tarmac needs to be bone dry before the gravel coat is applied, otherwise it will not stick. The bad weather we've been having has sadly delayed the works.
• As soon as the work is complete works materials will be removed (they have been blocking parking spaces). Officers reassures me that "the job will be done as soon as the weather makes it possible."
• The gate is being stored by a metalworker. It will be hung again when the stone pillars have been stabilised (or a decision has been taken not to rehang on the stone pillars but on steel ones alongside as was done on the eastern gate opposite). A structural engineer is considering alternatives at the moment.
• The good news is that Building Control have checked out the gate pillars and reassured Parks officers that they do not constitute a danger.

One local resident contacted me concerned that new planting needed watering (despite recent showers!). I have passed these concerns on to Parks.I'm hoping that the newly-created Friends of Eldon Square Gardens will help me keep a watchful eye on these beautiful Gardens and ensure they get the attention from Reading Borough Council they deserve. If you want to join this group, contact me.

In other Parks & Open Spaces news, I heard today that Kings Road Gardens are due to be restored, which is great news. This Park is at the centre of one of Reading's busiest roads and is an oasis at the centre of a maelstrom. I am also pleased to report that the Parks team will be renovating the Queens Road reservation as part of the Reading in Bloom improvements.