Vibrator to be used in Westminster's Parks

Westminster's parks are due for a shake-up with the use of special equipment to break up heavily compacted areas of its parks. The council is awaiting delivery of a new anti-compaction machine that sends a shaking movement to the roots of plants.

Users of parks such as Victoria Embankment Gardens (pictured here) should see a greener landscape when the vibrating machine starts work. It will send slivers of steel underground, shake them at about 3,000 revs per minute and allow roots to breathe and flourish. Westminster's parks are due for a further shake-up with the appointment of more park-keepers. One of their duties will be to explain to park users why some of their favourite plants occasionally need to be replaced.