The first sod has officially been cut to mark the start of the major revamp of Newport’s Victoria Park.

Officials gathered at the park today to celebrate the start of the work, which is due to get under way on Monday (22^nd February).

The scheme, which is part of the Council’s multi million pound Borough Towns Initiative, will see new footpaths created to improve access to the park and the relocation of the main car park to provide more green space by the canal.

New park entrances will also be created, along with better seating and picnic tables and improved lighting and fencing. Areas of wildflowers will be planted near to the canal and around the edges of the park, along with new shrubs and trees.

The improvements are the result of a partnership between the Council, Newport Town Council and Newport Regeneration Partnership and the work is expected to be complete by May.

Councillor Eric Carter, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Victoria Park is in a beautiful setting with the canal running alongside and could provide the perfect backdrop for Newport. This scheme aims to provide a much needed attractive green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“We hope the work will be carried out over a period of 12 weeks and residents will really start to see the benefits soon of a much improved natural environment to enjoy this spring.”

The work will be carried out by Whitchurch based firm JPCS Ltd, an environmental and highways maintenance company which promotes sustainable methods of working.

Managing Director Peter Shone said:  “We are delighted to be working with Telford and Wrekin Council in Victoria Park, Newport.  Our vision at JPCS is ’we create the difference to sustain our environment’ and we do this by working with our clients, our team and our suppliers. We are confident Victoria Park will benefit from this when this project is completed.”

Residents and visitors to Newport will start to see improvements to the town’s Victoria Park when work gets under way this spring.

Plans for the park went out for public consultation last year to help the people of Newport have their say on regeneration proposals for the area.

A number of ideas were supported by members of the public. These will be put into place this spring, alongside the creation of a brand new play area at the park (on the current site).