Moss Bank Park:
On the 9th January 2024 our volunteers had a meeting with two new appointments of Bolton council staff. Nigel Hartley (who it might be incorrect to call him new as he has work for Bolton Council over many decades) the replacement for Malcolm Russell and Zain el Mohammed who replaces the much valued and missed Andy Grundy.
The main reason for the meeting was to see about reopening the Rock Garden. The meeting was very positive and list some of the issues that need to be addressed before the garden can be regularly opened.
1 The Japanese bridge which was installed during the 2010-2012 restoration has a plank missing which will be replaced and some other minor repairs.
2 The large tree that was blown down a year or so ago, the tree it self was quickly removed by the council tree guys, but the stump is still there with a large hole which is a dangerous hazard and needs filling in.
3 A large branch of a cherry tree just inside the entrance, the tree guys have marked it for pruning.
4 It was generally agreed that it won’t be possible to repair and replace the pump of the water feature, so we will have to manage with static ponds and pools.
I would just like to thank our husband and wife team of volunteers Gerry and Ann who have kept gardening in the Rock Garden while the rest of had given up hope that the garden would be reopened and a thank you to members of the public who have lobbied Bolton Council to open the garden. Nigel, Zain and Friends of Moss Bank Park intend to get the garden opened in the spring and summer. Let’s hope it does open as it needs to be open to encourage people to volunteer and help maintain it.
watch this space.
