Work starts on revamp of city's oldest park

Work has started on the £3.9m revamp of a city's oldest park.

Serpentine Lake at Moor Park in Preston is being de-silted and extended "to restore it to its former glory" .

A long-forgotten bridge there when the park was formed in 1833 is also being rebuilt, Preston City Council said, while the Grade II* listed park will also get an improved playground, a better football changing pavilion and a wildflower meadow will also be created.

The overhaul is part of the £20m the city council received from the previous government's Levelling Up fund.

The works around the lake will see the de-silting and extension of the waterbody to its original size as proposed by Edward Milner, the original designer of the park.

In addition, footpaths and railings surrounding the lake will be upgraded, and the Serpentine Bridge will be reinstated.

Mark Taylor, interim director of environment and property at the city council, said the work was "essential" as part of a significant effort to preserve the lake and protect the surrounding habitats.

He said the project would "revitalise the park, enhancing it as a welcoming space for both the local community and wildlife to enjoy for years to come".

The works are set to be completed by next year.

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