Work has started on the revamp of a run-down boating lake in Northampton's Becket's Park as part of efforts to prepare for the first phase of a wider project to improve the area.

The Environment Agency will carry out the improvements to the boating lake ahead of work to create an 80-berth marina and new wildlife habitats as part of stage one of the Becket's Park Partnership's Vision. A specialist survey has found that a number of trees are either diseased or pose a risk due to their location or growth. Around 12 trees will be removed to make way for the scheme.

The Becket's Park Partnership is behind plans for the Northampton Marina Project, comprising the Environment Agency, Northampton Borough Council, the River Nene Regional Park and Northamptonshire County Council. Environment Agency waterways engineer Paul Arnold said: "The removal of the trees is a necessary part of the marina development. Most of the trees being felled are in poor condition or pose a risk to people and their removal is good tree management.

"The marina project is an exciting scheme which will regenerate this area of Northampton. It will significantly increase the numbers of boats travelling to and staying in Northampton and will encourage people to see the waterfront as an attractive and appealing destination."