PEOPLE in Helensburgh will have the chance to find out more about the regeneration of Hermitage Park at a walk around the area this Saturday.

Organised by the Friends of Hermitage Park and Argyll and Bute Council, the event will provide more detail on the work in the park, which is expected to get under way soon, and explain the reasoning behind the removal of some of the trees.

The walk has been organised as part of the start to the £3.3million Hermitage Park regeneration and conservation project and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 7 at 2pm.

A contractor is set to be appointed to start the work that will regenerate the Helensburgh park, with improvements including a new pavilion, a fountain plaza on the site of the old millpond, extensive conservation of the war memorial, new paths and lighting, interpretation panels, a new children’s play area and a demonstration garden.

A tree survey, which included the use of an aerial drone, provided detailed information about the condition and shape of the park’s trees.

It identified around 70 that need to be removed because they are dead, dying or diseased, in poor shape, out of scale or planted too close together.

Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for infrastructure, said: “When the regeneration is complete Hermitage Park will be a showcase green space.

"The removal of the dying, diseased and poor trees at this stage will make room for new trees to be planted as part of the project.

“We are also working with a number of local groups to recycle the timber from the trees that are felled.”

Fiona Baker, chair of the Friends of Hermitage Park, said: “While it is sad that some of the big and old trees need to be felled, having reviewed the tree surgeon’s survey we understand that there is really no other option.

"We believe it is in the best interests of the park and its future and the new trees that will be planted will grace the park for many years."

Anyone interested in taking part in the Tree Walk is asked to meet at the Sinclair Street entrance of Hermitage Park at 2pm on Saturday.