‘Metal monstrosity’ Park railings are defended as restoring town’s heritage
CHELTENHAM Borough Council has defended the installation of railings around part of Imperial Gardens in the town.
It follows criticism of them, with one resident calling them “hideous”, a “metal monstrosity” and claiming they made users of the gardens feel like they were in prison.
The black railings have been put into place along the western edge of the gardens, alongside Promenade, in recent weeks. It led Cheltenham resident Douglas Vick to say, in a letter to the Echo: “What is happening to our lovely town? As a proud Cheltonian I am appalled at the hideous railings that circle and destroy the view at Imperial Gardens.
“The gardens looked a treat this summer but now they are viewed through a metal monstrosity. Folk sat on the pavement must think they are in prison.”
He added that he felt it was a “disgrace for our super town”. Other users of the gardens, which are popular with shoppers, town centre workers and tourists, have said they feel the railings have made it harder for them to get in and out the site.
But the council and a group of enthusiasts have defended the installation of the railings, a section of which was cut down for the war effort in the 1940s.
The council said the work, which it supported, happened thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of Imperial Square Heritage and Conservation, at no cost to the public.
Adam Reynolds, the borough council’s green space manager, said: “Imperial Gardens are well used and well loved by the town’s people and visitors. They have evolved in appearance and usage over time, in which not only the railings, but also the Winter Gardens, have come and gone, until we have reached the present day layout.
“Restoring the railings to their former glory pays tribute to the park’s long history within the town centre and we’re pleased to see the latest section completed.”
Bob Keevil, FISHAC’S chairman of trustees, said: “Re-introducing the railings builds on the long heritage of the gardens and enhances the Regency heritage which attracts so much tourism and business to Cheltenham.
“It also complements the reinstatement of the railings alongside Montpellier Gardens, the restoration of Pittville Gates and other private initiatives to restore railings and architectural features around the town.”
The new railings have been designed to replicate the pattern of the original ones. Technical expertise was provided by the council in delivering the project which received planning consent in 2013.
Imperial Gardens were originally planted out for the exclusive use of the subscribers to the Sherborne Spa, built in 1818 on the site now occupied by the Queen’s Hotel. Over the years, the gardens have undergone many changes, with the current formal style being laid out just after the Second World War.
Each year, about 25,000 bedding plants are used to produce the floral displays.
During the summer months, the gardens host many outdoor events, including the annual literature, jazz, science and music festivals.
Restoring the railings to their former glory pays tribute to the park’s long history within the town centre and we’re pleased to see the latest section completed Adam Reynolds