Shrewsbury Town Council is advising the public that the riverside footpath on Victoria Avenue in the Quarry, between Kingsland Bridge and St Julian’s Friars Car Park, will be closed and completely inaccessible from 8.30am on Monday 15 December until 4pm on Friday 19 December 2025.
The temporary closure will enable the Council to carry out essential tree works identified during recent detailed inspections of the Quarry’s historic Lime Trees. Investigations have identified six trees within this section that must be removed due to significant internal decay, structural decline, or safety concerns.
Many of the Lime Trees along Victoria Avenue have exceeded their typical 80–100-year lifespan, and their location which is often subject to floodwater and high-water table conditions has placed additional stress on the ageing avenue. The works being undertaken are essential for ensuring public safety and maintaining the long-term health of the Quarry’s tree stock. Once the trees are removed, the Town Council will look to replace them with new lime trees, planted at more appropriate spacings to support healthier long-term growth.
Alternative Route
During the closure, pedestrians are advised to use Town Walls and reconnect with the Quarry at Quarry Place or from St Chad’s Terrace. Signage will be in place to direct footpath users along this alternative route.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, said:
We fully appreciate how important the Quarry’s Lime Trees are to local people and visitors. Unfortunately, our investigations have revealed severe internal decay in several of the trees along Victoria Avenue. These trees now pose a safety risk and must be removed. While it is always regrettable to lose mature trees, carrying out this essential work ensures the safety of the public and supports the continued care of the wider tree population in the Quarry.”
Access During Works
- The Victoria Avenue footpath will be entirely inaccessible for the five-day period. If the work is completed in less time, the footpath will reopen when it is safe for the public to use.
- Diversion signage will clearly direct visitors to the recommended alternative route.
- The rest of the Quarry will remain open as normal.
Shrewsbury Town Council thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while these important works take place.