Gathering in gardens to mark restoration

» CHELTENHAM’S Imperial Gardens basked in the sunshine when the town’s Mayor, councillor Sandra Holliday, paid tribute to the latest stage of the reinstatement of the ornamental railings and stone plinths.

The Mayor was impressed that the project has been sourced entirely through fund raising and legacies and no council tax has been sort or used.

Generous contributions by individuals have also enabled the Friends of Imperial Square Heritage and Conservation (FISHAC) to restore lengthy sections along The Promenade, The Broadwalk and the East side of th esquare.

FISHAC has received the support of the council’s Green Space Department, in particular Adam Reynolds and his team.

Bob Keevil, chairman of the Trustees of FISHAC, congratulated Wayne Oakey, of Stokes Welding, for his fine work in successfully completing the latest stage of the project.

It is expected that another stretch of railings will be erected along The Broadwalk before next Easter.

Mr Keevil reminded the large gathering present that the original railings were removed in 1940 as part of the War effort.

Access to Imperial Gardens will remain freely available at all times through the completely open and ungated entrances. The Queen’s Hote; hosted a buffet reception for the occasion.

FISHAC’S Imperial Gardens railings ceremony which was attend by Cheltenham’s Mayor, Councillor Sandra Holliday, who officiated, MP Alex Chalk and prospective Liberal Democrat candidate Max Wilkinson, along with supporters of the project