Bath and North East Somerset Council has approved a fund of £250,000 to carry out renovations in Sydney Gardens, with improvement work expected to start immediately.
The funding will be used to carry out immediate general improvements in the Gardens, including to some of the listed historic structures and public amenities.
Liberal Democrat campaigner in Bathwick, Claire Jackson, commented: “I welcome this funding, as will local residents and community groups.
“Sydney Gardens could really benefit from a ‘Spring clean’ and some of the works suggested – such as improving information for visitors to navigate the park and cutting back on overgrown areas – have the potential to make it an even more popular place to visit.
“The children’s play area benefitted from a new see-saw at the end of last year and I think there is room for further improvements.”
Councillor David Martin (Liberal Democrat, Bathwick) added: “It’s helpful that the Council has reached out to local community groups and residents to ask them for their input into what improvements can and should be made in the short term.
“A steering group has been set up and the ideas which came out of the group are being shared more widely in a consultation leaflet which is due to be distributed this month.
“Local people care deeply about what happens to Sydney Gardens and we have to make sure that these works have their support.”
Councillor Manda Rigby (Liberal Democrat, Abbey) said: “The long-term renewal of Sydney Gardens is still to be resolved. With the new steering group, we have established an excellent working practice which can be used when proposals for a future full scheme are developed.
“This partnership working will ensure that money spent now will not be wasted if and when external funding is granted for a more comprehensive refurbishment.”
