The 164 lime trees throughout Craigavon Borough Council's national award winning park are being trimmed and thinned to improve their shape and size for the next decade and to remove any dead and therefore potentially dangerous branches.

The famous lime tree avenue in Lurgan Park has trees which are at least 90 years old and are a focal point for the many visitors to the oasis of green.

The original avenue was planted out in the 1600's and indeed a few of these first lime trees are still standing around the harbour area.

However, some of the trees were cut down at Lord Lurgan's request at the time of the famine to provide fire wood to the people of Lurgan and replanted in the early 1900's.

"It's been at least six years since we carried out any work on these trees," commented Russell Eastwood, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, "back then we dead wooded the trees for the safety of the park users. However, this planned work will give the trees a new lease of life."

Sections of the main avenue will be closed temporarily to the public with alternative paths signposted. The work, which is being done by Rosbotham Demolition should take about three weeks to complete starting on November 19.

In line with their national Green Flag award, all the branches and cuttings will be chipped and used to bark the paths in Park.

Leanne McShane, Park Development Officer said: "This is essential maintenance work for the trees and will involve sections of the main avenue being closed to the public. I would appeal to all visitors to the park to adhere to the signage and take alternative paths if needed.