Gardens get long-awaited facelift

Two phases of restoration work will cost about £650,000

Restoration work on a historic Derbyshire garden is to start after two years of fundraising and consultation.

The 100-year-old Belper River Gardens on the Derwent have large plant collections and boating facilities.

Next month a wildlife survey will check that no nesting birds or animals are likely to be disturbed before the workmen move in.

Parts - and occasionally all - of the gardens will be closed at times while trees are removed and paths repaired.

The first phase of the work, which is due to be completed next summer, will see overgrown shrubs and trees removed.

New plants will be planted to reflect the original design once other renovations have been completed.

The second phase of the £650,000 project will see the garden tea rooms restored.

Amber Valley Borough Council failed in a bid for £1.6m of Heritage Lottery funding but insisted no part of the work had been shelved.