BY ANDREW CLAYTON

WORK has begun to rejuvenate Hayle’s Isis Gardens and bring them back to their former glory.

The gardens were closed and used by both Network Rail, as part of a £7m project to reinstate the viaduct decking, and by Bowmer & Kirkland, developers for the neighbouring ASDA site.

But now work is underway to restore the gardens back into a green space, with both Network Rail and Bowmer & Kirkland agreeing to fund the work and improve the area.

CORMAC began on site in May, replanting subtropical species and laying a new granite walkway, walling and seating areas. Along the way, staff have been assisted by several volunteers from organisations and community groups, including the Prince’s Trust, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, air cadets, Hayle in Bloom and staff from Hayle ASDA.

John Coombe, Cornwall councillor for Hayle South, said: “The work on the Isis Gardens is good news for all who visit the Foundry Square area of our town together with the RNLI and Hayle in Bloom.

“I hope this area will blossom for many years to come and everybody will be able to enjoy the new garden.”

Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for housing and environment, added: “This is an important civic space for the community and visitors to Hayle and it is great news that works are underway to restore the garden to its former glory.”

Nick Farrar, mayor of Hayle Town Council, said: “I am very pleased that the Isis Gardens are finally receiving a much needed make over. This area is a gateway to Foundry Square and to the rest of Hayle and will now create a memorable and fitting garden that complements Hayle's other magnificent gardens and displays.

“Hayle is widely recognised as a centre for successful parks and gardens and I feel these improvements will raise our towns profile even higher. We look forward to welcoming the many visitors that these gardens and our other floral displays attract each season.”

Nigel Powell, chairman of Hayle in Bloom, added: “I can’t praise the work enough, the gardens are looking excellent and it was a great opportunity for Hayle in Bloom to be involved in shaping the local gardens to promote the town as well as its people, council and local shops.”

The Isis Gardens were gifted to the RNLI by Hayle Town Council and were named after the first lifeboat in Hayle, launched in 1866. The Isis boat carried out ten rescues, saving 50 lives during her 21 years of service. The Isis Gardens are home to the RNLI flag in Hayle, with hopes that the flag will be flown there again in the summer after works are completed.