Stroud Town Council is carrying out work to improve accessibility to Bank Gardens.

The pillars and gate to the gardens from the High Street have been temporarily removed.

The entrance will be widened and the surface will be re-graded and made safe for access, especially for wheelchairs, walking frames and buggies.

A temporary surface will be in place until the stone pillars are rebuilt.  The condition of the pillars must be assessed and any replacement stone must be carefully prepared before rebuilding, which will occur as soon as possible.

The final touch will be the reinstatement of the decorative gates and laying of a final top surface to the path.

Councillor Steve Hurrell, from the town council, said: “We are very sorry for any disruption. The work is necessary to create the safe access for people to enjoy these gardens and events in Lansdown Hall, which residents have asked for.

“We need to re-grade the path's surface and widen the gateway which will also allow the town council's green spaces team to bring in their equipment.

“Unfortunately the poor condition of some of the stonework has required us to temporarily remove the pillars so that we can replace some of the damaged stone blocks.”

Stroud Town Council purchased Lansdown Hall four years ago.  It has carried out major refurbishments and a long-term plan has been put in place to further improve the hall and gallery's facilities.