Preston City Council (PCC) has announced the start of work to transform the Japanese Garden at Avenham Park as part of a wider £2.5m revamp programme.

Woodland trees not in keeping with the gardens' original designs will be removed as part of the project, while the "most attention" will be given to resolve a problem with horsetail and bracken. The weed removal has been described as "absolutely essential" by the council, which said failure to act could make it impossible to deal with in the future and cause problems for new plants.

Elsewhere, replanting will be carried out in the rock garden to introduce "more appropriate" species, including dwarf varieties of shrubs such as rhododendron and bamboo. PCC cabinet member for environment and regeneration Anthony Gornall said: "This work is all part of the ongoing, £2.5m renovation of Avenham and Miller parks. Restoring the Japanese Garden to its original design is a key part of the scheme, and will make a real improvement to the look and feel of the area."

Work is scheduled to be completed in the autumn, while the wider refurbishment of the park has received funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.