Restoration of Hylands Park serpentine lake began this week with the aim of restoring it to its former Repton glory. The work involves, draining, dredging, de-silting and repairing / relining the lake bed. Damaged and collapsed underground drains and culverts will be repaired and rebuilt and a water gauge fitted, so that water flows can be measured in the future. This will help to prevent the water loss that occurred in recent years.Earlier investigation and field studies show there are very few fish in the lake. However, licensed ecologists are keeping a watching brief to ensure that no harm comes to any wildlife. Any fish or amphibians will be carefully moved to a safe place within the park subject to any ecology or licensing issues. The main engineering work to the lake will be complete by June although the final reinstatement and re-seeding along the edges and embankments will not be complete until Spring 2006. The work is part of the main Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project being carried out by the appointed main contractor Rooff Ltd using experienced specialist sub-contractors. When work is complete, benches and picnic tables will be provided close to the lake and a new hard surfaced footpath created from the extended London Road car park to the lake edge, so that visitors in wheelchairs and parents with buggies can enjoy the area. "The lake work, as with other construction work now being carried out at Hylands, involves heavy construction machinery and vehicles which is likely to cause some temporary disruption and muddy ground conditions," said Chelmsford Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Arts and Entertainment, Councillor Christopher Kingsley. "We will try to keep disruption and inconvenience to park visitors to a minimum, but it will mean that certain parts of the park will be inaccessible for a short time due to health and safety reasons." For more information on the Hylands restoration, please visit the website (see right) PR053240 23 February 2005
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