Chance to comment on park's landscape

The project aims to turn the area near the River Severn into a new public open space with more paths, seating areas, extensive tree-planting as well as to increase wildlife and providing an educational resource.

Headed by the city council, The Friends of Gheluvelt Park, a voluntary organisation set up to promote and maintain the park for the community, and the environmental charity, Worcestershire Duckworth Trust, the scheme is being funded by the Liveability Fund from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

It aims to help improve parks and open spaces for the benefit of the local community.

Severn Trent Water has also contributed towards the combined groups' planned tree planting programme, designed as part of the overall plan to promote the riverside area.

"I think they are very good plans and we certainly fully support them," said Mark Driscoll, project manager at the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.

"We are very keen that it will be a more informal part of the parkland based on ecological principles."

He said this would include planting trees and wildflowers and building a platform over the pond to allow schoolchildren to study pond life.

Allen Barnatt, chairman of the Friends of Gheluvelt Park working committee, said: "This is a very well thought out scheme."

He said after speaking with people visiting the park he found that there was general support for the development.

To aid with the consultation, the Friends are due to send out 2,000 questionnaires to residents in the area.

"We are doing two things. One is telling residents what is going on and giving them the chance to make comments," added Mr Barnatt.

The design is on display at Pump House Environment Centre, off Waterworks Road, until Saturday, February 26.

The centre, which is filled with environment-related displays, including recycling, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

On-site works are scheduled to begin in the autumn.