Fences bar the usual path to the cherry blossom delight

IT is an annual mood-boosting miracle of nature that has become a major attraction for residents looking to call time on the winter blues.

The spring-time blooming of sakura cherry blossoms is a sight for sore eyes in Swiss Cottage.

Hundreds of Japanese people flock there to take selfies of the trees – a symbol of good fortune in their culture – when they bloom during three weeks in March.

But this year they have been fenced off from the public and are surrounded by heavy-machines as contractors complete a major overhaul of the open space.

Grant McCahon, who swims in the leisure centre where he used to work as a concierge for the council’s contractor Better, said it was a case of “good idea, bad timing”.

He said: “Anyone who goes past there at the time they are out in March, will be amazed by how many Japanese people get all dressed up and go to get the photos each year.

“But this year there will be JCBs and men at work in the background.”

He added: “But overall it’s a very positive thing. What they are doing is a good idea. But it is badly timed. How come they didn’t think about all this?”

Everybody heads to Swiss Cottage each year for a picture with the pink miracle

The council is carrying out a major overhaul of the open space, replacing the playground and grassy bank that faces the water feature.

They are making a step section similar to that at Coal Drops Yard by the canal.

It is a major change to designs that were created during the huge overhaul of Swiss Cottage in 2006.

South Hampstead Cllr Nina De Ayala Parker said “We want to reassure the community that this fencing is only temporary and that you can still admire these beautiful trees.”

A Camden Council spokesperson suggested tree fans try out Regent’s Park instead.

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