New elms part of riverside revamp

An artist's impression of how the riverbank will look.

The first major replanting of elm trees in Worcester since the outbreak of disease that devastated the native population in the late 1960s, is taking place near the cathedral.

It is part of a major refurbishment of the riverbank.

Dead, diseased and structurally poor trees situated along South Quay, Kleve Walk and the river bank will be removed.

The work starts on Monday 30 November 2009, and will last about two weeks.

The second phase of the Worcester Waterfront project, involves improvements on the east side of the river, from the city bridge to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal junction.

There will be extra seating on the riverbank, and better singposting.

The new trees being planted are of a variety that is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.

25 million trees died in the Dutch Elm Disease outbreak

Alison Vincent, Landscape Architect at Worcester City Council said: "This will be the first time a significant number of elms have been planted in the city for decades, since Dutch Elm Disease killed off so many of them in the 1970s.

"We are delighted to bring a new generation of elms to the city for everyone to enjoy."