Perhaps Linda Lee should have made contact with the Trustees of the Darwin Gardens before going into print, as she would have been reassured that considerable efforts have been made recently, not only to prepare the gardens for the forthcoming Tour de France, but also for the many visitors who enjoy this amenity all year round.

Costly renovation of fencing, noticeboards and steps, clearing of the pond and stream areas, cutting back of vegetation around the car park, re-routing of paths and opening up of vistas, in addition to the routine tasks of hedge maintenance, grass cutting and tree pruning, have all been completed in the past year.

Work on the pond area, boardwalks and features around the gardens will be undertaken in the months to come, together with projects to develop a wildflower garden and further renovation of steps.

While the trustees are mindful of the approaching date of the Tour de France, and also the imminent judging for the Green Flag Award, the maintenance of the gardens is on-going and is not merely focused on one upcoming event. The Darwin plaque which Linda Lee has concerns about will be cleaned in time for the Tour; however, we cannot guarantee that it will not be defaced again before the expected visitors arrive in July.

Councillor Heathcliffe Bowen Project Manager, Darwin Gardens Trust, Ilkley