THE long awaited reopening of a park garden takes will take place today following a £50,000 revamp.

Moss Bank Park, Bolton, will be re-opening its rock garden to the public at noon.

The garden was closed after it became overgrown and was targeted by vandals.

In 2010, Bolton Council and the Friends of Moss Bank Park secured £38,000 of funding from the Heritage Lottery for the refurbishment of the rock garden, with the council providing the rest of the money.

The total project has cost approximately £50,000.

work began in 2010 and included restoration of its water cascade feature, installation of a new footbridge, clearing and resurfacing of footpaths, clearing overgrown vegetation and installing new plants and seating areas. The garden will be officially reopened by David Butcher, retiring secretary of the Friends of Moss Bank Park, who project organisers said had been a “driving force” in the group for the last 11 years.

At the ceremony there will be a brass band, a display on the history of the rock garden and an exhibition of photographs taken in the garden.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Cabinet member for Neighbourhood and Community Services, said: “The Friends of Moss Bank Park have made an outstanding contribution to the park over the years. We are delighted to have worked with the Friends on the restoration of this tranquil garden and hope that users of the park enjoy spending time there.”