George the Iguana returning to Pearson Park conservatory home

GEORGE the iguana, who was moved to east Hull during renovation work at a popular park attraction, is poised for a hero's return to west Hull this weekend.

The Pearson Park conservatory will be reopened by Lord Mayor Danny Brown at a special event on Saturday.

George was moved to East Park to avoid the work but is now being returned to his west Hull home.

The Lord Mayor said: "I am delighted to be reopening the popular Pearson Park conservatory and welcome back the animals, especially George the iguana, for visitors to enjoy."

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Hull City Council and Pearson Park Trust are combining the event with Older People's Day and are hosting a range of activities in the park.

Councillor John Fareham, chairman of the Pearson Park Trust, said: "We have worked hard to make sure the conservatory opened to the public, following the improvements and maintenance work.

"It is great we have been able to join up the opening with the Older People's Day event.

"If any residents' groups would like to join in the event, then please contact the area team."

The conservatory housed a number of exotic reptiles and birds when it originally closed for refurbishment work last year. Visitors to the park were initially told it would reopen last Christmas.

But then the reopening was postponed several times throughout this year.

Mr Fareham told the Mail in August the delays were due to unforeseen extra maintenance work having to be carried out, owing to the conservatory's age.

There was also an infestation of mealy bugs, which meant the entire building had to be sprayed with chemicals.

When the conservatory reopens on Saturday, George and the fish will be returning, but the birds and bugs will remain at what was to be their temporary home in East Park.

It is estimated the council has spent about £70,000 on the refurbishment of the conservatory.

The open day will be held on Saturday, from 11am to 3pm, with Mr Brown cutting the ribbon at 12.45pm.

The event will include free health checks by Hearty Lives Hull, stalls by residents' groups and activities at the park's Adizone for the over-55s.

If any residents groups would like to get involved in the event by having a stall, e-mail the Wyke Area Team at wykeareateam@hullcc. gov.uk or call 01482 331943.

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