THE latest phase of the £2.7million Poole Park Life Project has started.

Tree felling started yesterday, ahead of work to improve park access which is set to commence in the coming weeks.

Replanting of 50 trees, which represents the most significant planting scheme for decades at the Victorian park, will take place later this year.

BCP Council leader Vikki Slade said: "We’re excited to be entering the next, and biggest, phase of the Poole Park Life project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"The improvements to the roads, paths and car parks in the park are much needed and will really make a difference for park users, with new lighting, tree planting and drainage.

“Park users should really notice the difference in the summer once construction work finishes, with more accessible routes through the park and, in November, over 50 trees being planted, providing future generations with the first significant planting scheme in the park for decades.”

During the work there will be restrictions for vehicles accessing the park at certain times, with diversions in place.

Speaking in the project newsletter, Poole Park Life Project manager Martin Whitchurch said it will be "the most significant work to Poole Park in many years takes place."

He added that the tender for the access work had been won by Aggregate Industries Ltd, and that the contract will be undertaken in a number of phases.

Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd started yesterday at the Seldown Lodge entrance to the park – the town centre end – by removing horse chestnut trees from the verge of the north side of the drive.

"There will be stop/go signs and vehicle access will be managed as these works take place, including the temporary removal of parking spaces between the Lodge and the crazy golf," said Martin.

From the week starting March 16 Aggregate Industries will set up work compounds on site on the park's West Field.

The area between the crazy golf and the water fountain will be fenced off and used to store materials.

Then from March 24, resurfacing works will start at the Seldown Lodge entrance, with road closures and diversions in place where required.

Martin said: "The contractor will work as much as possible to keep one-lane open but it will be essential to close the road for periods of resurfacing.

"The construction work will move in phases through the park from west to east along the drive. the final programme is being agreed and will be shared when ready.

"This phase of works are expected to complete in July, and also includes drainage around the cycle track, street lighting, gardens and much more."

Tree replanting is set for November and December.

The four-year Poole Park Life project has already seen the restoration of the war memorial and maintenance work at the old swimming pool site at the end of Park Lake Road.

Most of the funding for the scheme has come from a successful Heritage Lottery Funding bid.