Parks
Two-thirds of councils to cut neighbourhood services
Community services will have to be ‘drastically scaled back’ or cut altogether without further funding for councils, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
Why it might be better to be French
France's long-term planning – by yes, big government – has given them a better rail network, safety from fossil fuel dependence and more, says Ben Page.
All to play for when it comes to a health first approach
Local authorities hold the power to boost activity through inclusive parks and playgrounds, says Daniel Goddard.
The grass is now greener
They say if you want something done right then do it yourself – and Glasgow City Council member Audrey Dempsey certainly takes that to heart.
Working with local authorities to transform park tennis
As Wimbledon gets underway, Julie Porter sets out how the national governing body for tennis in Britain is working with local authorities to transform over 3,000 park tennis courts and get more people playing.
It is time to recognise clerks
Local Council Clerk Week is taking place from 10 to 14 July. Rob Smith says clerks are truly at the heart of everything their councils do and it’s time we celebrated their achievements.
A town centre for the future
Contestants headed to Wigan for the final round of the 2023 LG Challenge, to present their proposals for urban green infrastructure. Four finalists now go to the LGA Conference to compete for the Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship, says Rachel Robinson.
Weathering the storm – tackling the climate and health crises in tandem
The impacts of extreme weather are felt first by those who have least protection, and the solutions include health and wellbeing boards and a much more directive national framework, says Graham Duxbury.
Call for 'real action' as Government sidelines parks group
A member of the Government’s sidelined parks action group (PAG) has called for ‘real action’ after it was unofficially disbanded.
Local Councils have stepped up
Rob Smith sets out the main conclusions of a landmark report based on the Society of Local Council Clerks’ survey of town, parish and community councils.
Groundwork: fair and green for forty years
Graham Duxbury reflects on Groundwork’s achievements over 40 years and says the fight to address the climate and nature emergencies will only be won by rooting solutions in the reality of people’s lives.
Putting parks at the heart of our places
When the going got tough during the pandemic, local parks and green spaces were seen as the jewel in the crown of local services. Now is the time to make a case for investment in parks and leisure services, says Paul O'Brien
Thinking differently about the role of green infrastructure
Prioritising green infrastructure can make UK Shared Prosperity Fund investments go further, says Fay Holland.
Co-designing benefits for Croydon
Damien Sharkey explains how a co-design process transformed a park in the heart of Croydon – thanks in part to 600 hours of local people’s involvement in creating a space for themselves.
Prioritising sustainability the Eastleigh council way
Eastleigh BC is investing in sustainable energy and leading on sustainable development at One Horton Heath. The council stepped in to put public good over profit, says Sarah King.
Using the Tek It Ome message in Sheffield
Rosie Choppin describes how Sheffield City Council is using local language to promote behaviour change in parks.
Dispensing good advice
‘Quack, Quack, Quack – Win, Win, Win’ is always a good start to a press release and so it proved with Sedgemoor DC’s effort last week.
Gove's suggestion on non-statutory services won't work
Michael Gove recently said councils could drop some non-statutory services – but these are the essential operating platform for their statutory cousins, says Mo Baines.
Protecting parks for all
A host of council agendas, including climate change mitigation, depend on future-proofing local green spaces and Fields in Trust’s ParkXtinction campaign is aimed at doing more to protect them, says Helen Griffiths.
Community spirit and movie magic
Paul Wheatley explains why a Leicestershire town’s cinema in the park is an innovative use of Welcome Back funding.