WORK to 'much improve' the water course in Vivary Park gets underway next month.

On April 1, Taunton Deane Borough Council will be carrying out works in the park to desilt the the lake.

The council says the work will ensure the water is better for wildlife and the public's enjoyment.

Councillor Vivienne Stock-Williams, the council's member with responsibility for sports, parks and leisure, said in a report due to be read at full council on Wednesday night: "The postponed project to desilt the Lake in Vivary Park is now scheduled to start on April 1 2019 and will result in a much-improved watercourse for wildlife and the public’s enjoyment.

"Any subsequent reinstatement works needed will be undertaken shortly thereafter."

The bridge in the park will be out-of-action, and instead replaced with a safer  alternative while the works are carried out.

After, a new bridge will be installed.

There are also plans this summer to improve the park's waste facilities.

Cllr Stock-Williams added: "For safety reasons, the bridge at Wilton Lands has been taken out of action.

"A temporary bridge has been installed until the Vivary Stream de-silting work is completed.

"A permanent new flat bridge will then be installed, so that it is not damaged by rising waters.

"New segregated litter bins, made from recycled plastic, are to be installed in the area of the park near the children’s playground and café.

"These are harder wearing than the traditional bins, easier to clean and extremely difficult to set fire to – a cigarette stub would simply cause insignificant melting which would be unnoticeable. They are also cheaper than the large Big Ben bins.

There will be a programme to roll these out across the district as litter bins need replacing.

As well as the bins, the park will be getting new benches made from recycled plastic.

She said: "Vivary Park will also benefit this summer from the installation of new, recycled plastic benches, which are dark brown in colour and have wheelchair access.

"A battery powered maintenance vehicle for Vivary Park is replacing the current petrol vehicle this year and a replacement schedule is being programmed for the district’s parks.

"Battery powered blowers, strimmers and hedge cutting tools are being trialled in the park this year, thus actively reducing the workforce risk of hand-held vibration issues.

"Looking forward, it is proposed to schedule a gradual replacement of the current style of dog bins with front, not top, lids to ease the removal of full and heavy internal plastic bags.

"It is proposed to purchase mini-shredders for the shrub bed gangs, so that compost can be made from the cuttings in the DLO Nursery rather than paying for its disposal. This compost will be available for local groups to use."