WORK to improve Vivash Park in Westbury has now begun.
Work completed so far includes installing fishing platforms, bins, boulders and barriers.
The urban park is 11 acres of land which can be found off Slag Lane and Hawkeridge Road, and is well used by dog walkers and features a fishing lake, pond, picnic area and exercise trail.
Vivash Park was initially built by developer David Wilson Homes as part of their lakeside development, and it was taken over by Westbury Town Council last year. The town council received £323,416 in S106 funding, a fund paid by developers to be used on community infrastructure projects, that will be used to pay for improvements such as these.
The town council said, “Since Westbury Town Council took ownership of the land at the end of November 2022, we have installed boulders at the car park, height barrier and bollards as well as five new bins. There will be other improvements made to the park and each improvement is aimed to keep the land as natural as possible.
“Vast improvements are being made at the fishing lake with new fishing pegs / platforms now installed. This includes one double and one single wheelchair access platforms along Slag Lane and four other platforms around the lake with steps and railings. Thanks to Idverde for carrying out this work, we think the new pegs / platforms look great.
“The maintenance contract with Idverde has started and in the next month grass cutting will begin.
“A recent ecological report found five species of bats as well as several birds included on the RSPB red and amber list, along with dragonflies, newts, other insects, and several different species of fish.
“The park is well used by walkers and dog owners. With an exercise trail that leads you around the park, there is a picnic area, which is ideal for lovely family events or just a met up with friends. There are plenty of benches to pause and take in the fresh air and the view of the White Horse as well as the wildflowers. The pond is perfect for natural studies with its insects and amphibians and then there is the fishing lake with carp, tench, roach, rudd, pike and perch.
“You can read more about Vivash Park on our website and perhaps you might like to visit there: https://www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk/dept/vivash-park”
