Sprucing up perimeter of popular Preston wedding venue

The Friends of Avenham and Miller parks group (Foam) has received financial backing so the surrounds of the Belvedere venue can have a makeover.

And a team of volunteers were able to take full advantage of the favourable weather on Saturday to make a start on the project.

The group has received a four figure sum from the Lancashire Environmental Fund for the upgrade - supplemented by the proceeds of its own fund-raising efforts - that will see new shrubs and plants inject a burst of colour close to the Belvedere’s entrance.

Foam treasurer Dave Johnston said: “The parks received a cash injection from the Heritage Lottery Fund a few years ago but some areas need working on again as either the landscaping needs upgrading or because the refurbishment has not flourished.

“The Belvedere has always been one of the most famous places in the park, it’s a lovely venue for a wedding.

“The main thing is to add some colour to it so when everything is finished it will be blooming. We will be improving the soil and replanting.”

Mr Johnston said the improvement work can contribute to attracting visitors to the park. He said: “It was hard work on Saturday but we were really pleased.”