A NEW garden could be unveiled in Chorley’s Astley Park to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Plans have been submitted by Chorley Council for a ‘Garden of Reflection’, which would provide a covered performance area in Astley Park’s Walled Garden.

The garden is being created by gold-medal winning designer and Chorley resident John Everiss and would be a major new attraction at the award-winning Chorley Flower Show on 28 and 29 July.

Cllr Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “We’re continually looking to improve Astley Park to make it one of the top tourist attractions in the North West and we’re really excited about these plans.

“We have been looking to create an outdoor performance area and this ties in really well with the flower show and the timing means it is fitting for the design to be based around reflection given it is 100 years since the end of the First World War.

“If approved it will be built in time for this year’s award-winning Chorley Flower Show and I’m sure it will attract thousands of people from across the North West into Chorley as ‘The Evaders’ Garden’ did.”

The £100,000 project will be funded by the Armed Forces Covenant fund meaning it will also be a lasting tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives during the conflict.

The garden has a covered stage area with seating and a stone carving of a soldier reflecting as he takes a break from his duties.

The features will be based around material and planting from The Somme where many Chorley residents lost their life in battle.

“The new garden will not only be a place for people to sit and reflect but it means we can bring more entertainment to the park and make even better use of the Walled Garden,” said Councillor Wilson.

“We’re seeing more and more visitors coming from far and wide and this latest development comes alongside drainage improvements to the field and the additional car parking spaces at Hallgate.

“We’re delighted to be working with John Everiss who is not only a local resident but one of the best in the country at creating spaces like this.”

The planning application will be determined in the coming weeks and if approved work would start in June.

n What do you think of the plans for the Walled Garden? Get in touch to tell us your views by sending an email to robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk or alternatively ring 01254 298395.