Malmesbury’s Cloister Gardens has re-opened after undergoing major restoration works for the first time in 40 years – just in time for an ease in lockdown restrictions. The Cloister Gardens, a tranquil garden to the rear of Malmesbury Abbey, was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne on Tuesday, May 27, 1980. But since then, little has done to maintain it, with one councillor describing the area’s neglect as ‘creating a potential public hazard’. After closing at the start of February to allow works to take place, the gardens have now re-opened, as an ease in lockdown restrictions now allow two people to meet outdoors for a coffee on a park bench or a picnic.
The pergola area was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne on Tuesday, May 27, 1980. Since then little has been done to maintain it. The Cloister Gardens belong to Abbey House but are leased to Malmesbury Town Council. Commenting on the works, Cllr Gavin Grant, who chairs the town council committee responsible for the Cloister Gardens said: The Cloister Gardens should be the open space jewel in the crown of Malmesbury, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. I m delighted that this work is happening and that it looks likely that my councillor colleagues on the Malmesbury Area Board of Wiltshire Council will agree £5,000 to help fund the replacement of the like for like wooden pergola, broken benches and loose paving stones.