THE Vale of Glamorgan Council has installed a new handrail along an entrance to Alexandra Park in Penarth following calls from residents.

Locals have been raising concerns for some time about the safety of the steps leading from Park Road to the park and the Council has now installed the handrail along the full length of the steps to improve access to the area.

Cllr Geoff Cox, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: “Alexandra Park is a truly beautiful space and just one of a number of top quality park areas we have in the Vale.

“It’s important that as many people as possible have the opportunity to enjoy the park and to access it safely, which is why we have listened to residents’ requests and taken this action to improve the situation.

“We hope this will mean that even more people have the chance to sample this wonderful location.”

Alexandra Park is one of seven open spaces maintained by the council that currently holds a Green Flag award, the mark of a top-quality outdoor area.

The others are Romilly Park, Central Park, Victoria Park, The Knap Gardens, Barry Island Promenade and Gardens and Belle Vue Park, and the council is optimistic of adding to that total at this year’s awards.

Alexandra Park is an Edwardian public park that overlooks the Bristol Channel and retains many of its original features.

First created in 1901, the park contains many interesting features, including a Cenotaph in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War, a Garden of Remembrance, topiary and aviary.