WORK has started on a multi-million pound project to restore Lydiard Park's historic gardens.
Workmen have started to clear dead wood and undergrowth from around the grounds of the Georgian country house, before a detailed assessment pencilled in to begin this summer.
Work to restore the 18th century park includes restoring the lost lake, which lay at the bottom of the lawn, the castellated dam wall, ornamental garden and ice house, paths and vistas.
Swindon Council and a group of organisations, including Old Town-based Innogy, the Countryside Agency and English Heritage, last year successfully won an initial £450,000 of Heritage Lottery Fund money with the promise of a further £3m if exploratory work goes as planned.
Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said: "Every journey starts with small footsteps and the first signs of action are visible with workmen clearing debris.
"If we do the right work this year there is every reason to expect follow-on money next year for the major work."
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