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Garden improvements get underway

Work has started in Bury town centre on an improvement scheme which will restore Kay Gardens and Kay Monument to their former glory. External funding from sponsorship of green spaces will fund the works.

The improvements will bring back the character of the gardens, improve the townscape quality and support the definition of a significant Grade II Listed monument. Planned work includes the following:

• Protection of the better quality species of trees.
• Removal of outgrown trees with abnormal or restricted growth.
• Safeguarding the existing architectural and historic quality of the monument.
• Cleaning and application of appropriate protective coating to the monument.
• Protection of the monument steps from skateboarders by the use of stainless steel nibs.
• Opening-up the gardens with more light and air movement.
• Introduction of smaller ornamental trees in key locations.
• Provision of attractive and well maintained sustainable planted areas with feature spot plants.
• Reinstating and repairing the grassed areas, lamp posts, benches, paved areas, fencing and bins. 
• Overall design (colour, appropriate plants for situation, quality of plants, upkeep and wow factor).

After April Kay Gardens will be a much greater credit to Bury and to John Kay.  

About Kay Gardens

The gardens and monument were first opened in April 1908 following the building of a new market hall in 1901. Located in open space created from the former market place, the gardens and monument were commissioned and paid for by Henry Whitehead a local mill owner. Kay Monument is Grade II Listed and a tribute to John Kay who was born in Bury in 1704. John Kay was most famous in Lancashire as the inventor of 'The Flying Shuttle'. The Monument was designed by Bristol Architect, William Venn Gough who had become known in Bury through his work on the Grammar School.

Today, the Kay Gardens area is supported by Bury Soroptomists who volunteer to help keep the planting beds and paved areas clean and tidy which compliments the work of the Council's workforce.

Recycle on the go

Residents and visitors to Bury can now recycle more while out and about in the borough's town centres and at main parks. 

New town centre recycling bins and park recycling centres are now in place for recycling typical "on the go" items such as plastic bottles, drink cans, glass bottles, newspapers and magazines. Don't forget to check the labels on the bins to make sure you recycle right.

The extra recycling gathered from town centres and parks will count towards Bury's target to recycle 50% or more, help keep more waste out of landfi ll and save money on disposal costs. Please recycle on the go as much as you can.

Town centre recycling bins are in place at the busiest locations. Recycling centres in parks are in place at Bolton Road Park and Close Park in Radcliffe; at Whitehead Park, Openshaw Park, Hoyles Park and Clarence Park in Bury; at St Mary's Park in Prestwich; at Whitefi eld Park in Whitefi eld; at Town Meadow Park in Tottington; and at Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom. Facilities will follow at Manchester Road Park and Burrs Country Park. 

Could you recycle more for Bury?

Take the Recycle more for Bury pledge

If you live in the borough of Bury and pledge to recycle more you will be entered into our free prize draw to win one of two £50 shopping vouchers kindly donated by The Rock Retail and Leisure.

To find out more and take the pledge visit:www.bury.gov.uk/recycling-pledge 

For more information about recycling in Bury visit: www.bury.gov.uk/recycling or phone 0161 253 5555

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