WORK has begun on a new entrance to Malvern's Priory Park to welcome visitors to the town.

A new pair of metal gates, forged to resemble the sloping hills which overlook the town, are to be installed at the park's Priory Road access, outside Malvern Splash.

The project will also see the Malvern stone wall rebuilt, new block paving laid, a new gas lamp and seating installed as well as improvements to the drainage.

Work is expected to be finished in December and access to Malvern Splash will be maintained at all times.

The enhancements form part of the latest stage of the Great Malvern: Route to the Hills project which will create a new heritage trail stretching from the railway station through the town and on to the hills.

It will offer visitors a new way to explore the town while learning more about Malvern’s fascinating heritage through a series of plaques, signs, benches and other creative installations.

The project is funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is being overseen by a partnership of ten organisations, led by Malvern Hills District Council.

Cllr David Watkins, portfolio holder for healthier communities on the council, said: “The entrance to Priory Park is the gateway to the town for many visitors and a key location on the route.

"This project provides an opportunity to vastly improve the arrival experience of visitors and I look forward to seeing the finished result. I would ask people to bear with us while work progresses, and we will try to keep any disruption to a minimum.”