Repair work will start after damage to Oxford South Park

Neighbours protested after large sections of the park were damaged by the 55th Annual Charity Fireworks Display in November with one householder likening the aftermath to a “World War One battlefield".

At the time, organisers Oxford Round Table said damaged parkland could recover by Christmas and hailed the event as a “great success".

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But the city council, which manages the park below Headington Hill, said it would take the green space much longer to recover because repair work could not start until the ground had dried out.

Council staff are now carrying out checks to see if repair work can start soon.

A city council statement said: "The restoration work to South Park will involve some ground levelling and reseeding. We are monitoring the ground and soil condition, to assess when work can start.

"Oxford Round Table has appointed two contractors to carry out the work once the conditions are suitable. This work will be monitored by the city council."

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In December, an inspection of the site by specialists confirmed there has been no long-term damage to the park's ridge and furrow archaeological features.

Now, following talks with Oxford Round Table, Friends of South Park, and Oxford Preservation Trust, the council is announcing details of the park's restoration.

Work will include ground levelling and reseeding once the ground is dry, and will take place in three stages - at the top and driest part of the park, in the middle section and finally in the lower, wettest, part of the park.

Signs are now in place to  to encourage people to take different paths to avoid the muddy, uneven areas and to prevent the ground from being churned up even further.

Discussions are continuing between the council, Oxford Round Table and other stakeholders with officials addressing how such damage can be avoided in future.

Chewe Munkonge, deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and parks, said: "We appreciate the patience of our stakeholders and communities who have worked with us to develop a plan, and while we wait for the ground conditions to be ready. We hope that work can start soon.”

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Anna Eavis, chief executive of Oxford Preservation Trust, said: "We remain deeply concerned about the damage caused as a result of last year’s fireworks event. 

"We are pleased to be working with the city council to ensure restoration works to the park are undertaken at the earliest opportunity, and we continue to liaise with the council as to how future events are organised and managed within the park to avoid such damage happening again.” 

Dr Daniel Emlyn-Jones, a member of Save South Park, said: "I think Oxford Round Table should move to a different location permanently - the park is not a suitable place for the display but they are already advertising the 2024 event.

"It's wonderful the fireworks display raises so much for charity but it has caused serious damage.

"The fact that the Round Table has now appointed contractors does suggest members acknowledge the damage was serious.

"I hope the work can be carried out soon, once the city council gives the go-ahead."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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