Storms prevent Hawkstone Park from opening gates

Bosses of Hawkstone Park Follies, in Weston-under-Redcastle, near Wem, say large amounts of debris left behind has meant they have been unable to open for health and safety reasons.

They are now appealing for volunteers to help clean up the park, which they hope to reopen on Saturday.

Park manager Caroline Wellon said: "??We have had 25 to 30 trees go down in the Follies. The wind brought down some old trees. The fact that it has been wet under foot has not helped either.

"??The trees that came down in the storm caused so much damage to handrails and paths that, despite the wardens working tirelessly, we have made the reluctant decision to not open as planned.

"??There is a huge mess everywhere and it is taking a mammoth effort to enable us to open.

"??We have had tree surgeons out to move the worst trees. The actual removal of trees is not so bad. It'??s the twigs and leaves that need to be moved to make it safe.

"??We need manpower really as it such a vast area. We have already had volunteers in to help. People don'??t have to be skilled, we are appealing to anyone who can spare an hour or two.

"??The park is 100 acres and I suppose this is part of the joy of running a park really.

"??We had hoped to open on Saturday but we have had to delay because it is not safe enough. I have been a walk around the park with the health and safety guy. We are hoping to have fixed most of the damage and get the park open this Saturday."

She added volunteers are particularly needed from Thursday onwards.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering can call (01948) 841700 or 07904759291.