COUNCIL chiefs have vowed to do all they can to help events run smoothly in Leamington’s Pump Room Gardens during restoration work.
It follows criticism from organisers of Leamington Carnival after metal fencing recently went up around large parts of the historic gardens which are undergoing a £1.4million facelift.
The carnival takes place on Saturday July 14 and organisers fear the fencing will have a major impact on the fair which traditionally takes place in the gardens.
But Warwick District Council is determined to ensure events can continue at the gardens during the summer.
A spokesman said: “Works have now started on the restoration and the fencing indicates the first phase of the landscaping works. This phase is focussed on improving the paths and raised planter bed fronting onto the Parade.
“The nature of such major works means that some accommodation and compromise is needed to ensure that the works can take place in a safe environment but the council is also mindful of the need to minimise the disruption to Leamington’s major events.
“In this case, a meeting was held with representatives of the carnival and fun fair, the council and the contractor, idverde, and an approach was agreed, which involved moving the fencing back as far as possible during the event period.
“We will continue to work with our contractor and event organisers to minimise disruption during the works phase.”
The mainly Heritage Lottery Funded restoration, together with £100,000 each from the district council and Friends of the Pump Room Gardens, will see the bandstand restored to its former glory, and also landscaping, and new paths.
The bandstand is set to be be back in place by October.
