Is Britain losing access to its public parks? London’s councils have said they may not be able to prevent a “slide towards privately-run parks” by the end of the decade; severe budget cuts have led to an 18% reduction in boroughs’ spending on parks in the past four years.
A 2014 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) report into UK public parks found that almost half of all councils are planning to dispose of some of their green spaces with 19% considering selling off entire parks.
Many people are outraged over proposed attacks on their free green spaces. There is fierce opposition to Lewisham council plans to close London’s last public golf course in Beckenham Place Park, while campaigners are fighting plans to develop Liverpool’s Walton Hall Park into Everton FC’s new ground.
Councils are raising cash by hiring out parks for private functions, but this leaves some local residents frustrated when they can’t access them. The Forumala E races in Battersea Park and Wireless music festival in Finsbury Park, both in London, have drawn criticism.
Is your public park in danger of privatisation? As the summer rolls on we’d like to celebrate the UK’s green spaces, and hear about those that have been affected by council budget cuts. Show us why you feel strongly about your local park, and tell us what’s happening in your area and why these free spaces are vital for public wellbeing.
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