Following the success of the Guild, that according to Preston Council saw almost 1 million attend, the main areas of attraction, Avenham and Miller Parks are desperatlry in need urgent repair work.

The Council have recently stated that they commenced repairing the damage immediately after the Guild and gardeners from the Council’s Parks and Horticulture Service are currently undertaking an intensive programme of reinstatement including drainage improvements, levelling the ground and applying grass seed to the affected areas. Large parts of the parks will be fenced of allowing them time to recover.

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The intention is the parks will be back to their best by Spring 2013.

Councillor Robert Boswell, cabinet member for community and environment, said: “The council deems the reinstatement of Avenham and Miller Parks as a top priority and residents can be assured that our Parks Services are working hard to ensure this happens in time for Spring. The Guild was absolutely fantastic and I think the feel good factor was widely felt across Preston.

“However, following the poor weather we have experienced all summer, the ground did not have chance to dry out prior to the Guild Festival taking place. The building and dismantling of large structures such as big tops, marquees and the main stage and the transporting of heavy items to the festival arenas has therefore left some damage to the surface of the parks.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst the work is taking place and would ask park users to be respectful of the areas that have had work carried out but please do still visit the Parks – they are there to be used and enjoyed by all.”

Photos: Tony Worrall