“The UK’s hugely popular public parks face falling into decline and neglect as a result of budget cuts, a new report warns.
Park use is rising, with 57% of adults now visiting their park once a month or more, while 90% of families with children under five head to their local green space at least monthly, the State of UK Public Parks 2016 study reveals.
But the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) study warns a decline in the condition of parks predicted in a first report in 2014 is set to continue, with almost all park managers experiencing ongoing cuts as austerity squeezes local authority budgets.
Some 92% of park managers had seen budgets cut and 95% were facing more reductions, a worsening of the situation since 2014, according to a survey of 193 councils as part of the report.”
Unfortunately, you won’t find the funds for flogging off part of the Knowle parkland for luxury pensioner apartments making its way to the remaining parkland. That’s all on its way to the new council HQ in Honiton.
East Devon Watch 