Dear Gail
Many thanks for writing and bringing this matter to my attention.
Further to your email, I have spoken with the teams responsible for the Arboretum and understand that an operational decision was taken to temporarily close the Arboretum for health and safety reasons, due to an increased rate of vandalism and incidents that have regrettably taken place recently.
This temporary closure allowed time for our teams to make a thorough assessment of the risks and to consider mitigations that we can put in place in order to keep the space open for the safe enjoyment of the community.
I am delighted to confirm that after this assessment, and with new mitigations in place, the Arboretum will open again with immediate effect. I would appreciate your support in communicating this news with the community and indeed in ensuring the future prosperity of this treasured space.
It is clear from your email that you and others that signed your petition have a love and passion for the Arboretum – which I share wholeheartedly. I see it, along with our Botanic Garden, as vital assets that the University makes available for use by the community. I therefore welcome your interest and desire to protect this University facility.
I would be delighted if you can find the time to speak to the Director of the Botanic Garden and Arboretum, Nick Bailey, (copied to this email) to understand his exciting plans for the future and to see how we can utilise the wonderful support of our community. He will be at the Garden for the Friends Plant Fair on Sunday from 10am till 2pm should you or any other local residents wish to discuss the matter further.
Thank you again for raising the matter with me.
Regards
Nishan
Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah (hear name) President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Leicester | University Road | Leicester |LE1 7RH | UK