Via http://www.westbriton.co.uk/much-loved-and-newly-restored-hayle-gardens-...

Much-loved and newly-restored Hayle gardens gifted back to the community

The restored Isis Garden in Hayle.

A set of gardens that honour the RNLI's first Hayle lifeboat have been restored to its former glory following the completion of an extensive regeneration project.

Amid much public resentment Isis Gardens in Hayle were closed two years ago and used by both Network Rail, as part of a £7m project to reinstate the viaduct decking, and the developers for the neighbouring Asda supermarket, Bowmer & Kirkland.

However, last year Network Rail and Bowmer & Kirkland agreed to fund the reinstatement work and to improve the valued green space.

The mayor of Hayle Nick Farrar and president of the Hayle Branch of the RNLI Pauline Marks (centre) watched by members of the community cut the ribbon to officially re-open the Isis gardens in Foundry Square in Hayle

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Cornwall Council contractors CORMAC began onsite during May on works which included the replanting of the gardens with subtropical species as well as the laying of a new granite walkway, walling and provision of seating areas.

CORMAC have been assisted in the planting by volunteers from several organisations and community groups including the Prince's Trust, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, Air Cadets, Hayle in Bloom and volunteers from Asda in the town.

John Coombe, Cornwall Council member for Hayle South, said: "The work on the Isis Gardens is good news for all who visit the Foundry Square area of our town together with the RNLI and Hayle In Bloom.

"I hope this area will blossom for many years to come and everybody will be able to enjoy the new garden."

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Nick Farrar, mayor of Hayle Town Council, added: "I am very pleased that the Isis Gardens are finally receiving a much-needed make over. This area is a gateway to Foundry Square and to the rest of Hayle and will now create a memorable and fitting garden that complements Hayle's other magnificent gardens and displays.

"Hayle is widely recognised as a centre for successful parks and gardens and I feel these improvements will raise our towns profile even higher. We look forward to welcoming the many visitors that these gardens and our other floral displays attract each season."

The gardens are honour Hayle's first lifeboat The Isis' a 32ft ten oared row boat, which was given to RNLI Hayle by Oxford University in 1866 and in its 21 years of service attended 11 ships saving 50 lives.

They were opened by local dignitaries at a well-attended ceremony with the RNLI flag being raised by the chairman of Hayle RNLI and manager of beaches and lifeguards Phil Drew.

All of the plants were sourced locally from Trevena Cross nurseries, Jane Mitchell at Hayle Plants and Cormac's in-house gardening team.