An historic riverside walk by the Abbey Ruins is set to be transformed but will see the loss of mature Horse Chestnut trees.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) want to replace failing trees, re-tarmac the route and introduce pedestrian lighting and CCTV at Chestnut Walk.

Situated next to the Abbey Ruins – which Reading Borough Council reopened to the public last year – Chestnut Walk is planted with a distinctive avenue of 18 mature Horse Chestnut trees.

Reading Chronicle:

Several trees have been removed over the last three years, after an inspection revealed significant defects in many of them.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) now wants to replace all the trees to ensure the walkway remains safe and attractive.

The Horse Chestnuts will be replaced with 14 Sweet Chestnut trees.

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Councillors are expected to approve the plans at next week’s Policy committee on Thursday, September 26.

Reading Chronicle:

If plans are approved, construction is expected to begin in February 2020 and be complete by April 3, the start of the Easter holiday period.

The council anticipate the revamp of Chestnut Walk will cost around £160,000.