Battersea Park has just entered a phase of major work to further improve the site.

The riverside promenade and Festival Gardens will be restored over the next nine months and will re-open late next summer.

The area, which will be fenced off for safety reasons, includes North Carriage Drive, the whole length of the riverside path, the Buddhist peace pagoda, the Vista fountains and the Russell Page garden.

The public will be able to see through the fence to watch work in progress and regular updates will be posted to keep people informed.

Members of the public who wish to help maintain and improve the park as "an oasis of tranquillity, natural beauty and recreation", are welcome to join the Friends of Battersea Park for an annual subscription of £7.50.

The group also organises walks and lectures and publish a free quarterly magazine for members, which provides a forum for ideas and opinions.

Members monitor any proposed changes to the park and provide a "responsible group of people whom Wandsworth Council can consult as representatives of park users".

Members of the public are welcome to get more information about the restoration by visiting the exhibition and information centre next to the bandstand, which is open daily from 9.30am until 4pm. Alternatively, phone Jennifer Ullman, the park's manager, on 020 8871 7530.

For further information about the Friends of Battersea Park phone 020 7228 3771.

December 5, 2001 17:00