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.
Reaping the benefits from urban green space need not cost the earth
Urban areas, even those that are densely populated, can still play host to biologically diverse plant and animal life, especially if they are supported to do this by sensitive and intelligent local land management, says Paul O'Brien.
Who are parks for? Facing up to inequality in access to urban nature
A report from Groundwork highlights the barriers some face in accessing parks and natural spaces. Fay Holland says councils could make a huge difference to the issue.
Build back beautiful
A new report puts forward a hyper-local approach to overcoming the housing crisis, with councils the recipients of the tax levied on the uplift of developments. The proposals should be taken seriously, says Sir Bob Neill.
Parks need funding and innovation during and after the pandemic
Funding and innovation are required if parks are to serve local communities during COVID and beyond, says Cllr Luthfur Rahman.
The sector needs to reflect the trust placed in us by the public
The message from the public is loud and clear, says Paul O’Brien. ‘They like, value and trust local neighbourhood level services’. He asks: 'So, will this public trust in councils continue? To use a lawyer’s response "it all rather depends".'
Survey shows public trusts councils more than Government on COVID
The findings of a new opinion poll show the public trusts councils more than Government on the response to COVID, says APSE.
Future-proofing park tennis
The LTA has announced a comprehensive, cost-free offer to councils - a digital platform to help support provision of opportunities for people to pick up a tennis racket and get active, says Scott Lloyd.
By investing in parks society will reap long-term rewards
Over the past few months many have turned to parks as their daily release from the pressures of lockdown, says Paul O'Brien. The multiple benefits parks bring to society make them one of the best long-term investments Governments can make, he adds.
Cultivating community is key to our COVID-19 recovery plan
Graham Duxbury believes that as part of a green recovery we must redouble our efforts to ensure those who need it most can connect with nature close to home.
Minister in fresh parks plea
Local government minister Simon Clarke has urged English council leaders to make sure parks remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.
Johnson stops short of closing parks but some shut anyway
Some UK councils have closed parks and other public spaces in a bid to protect people from the spread of coronavirus.
Councils across the UK close parks to limit spread of coronavirus
Councils have been forced to close parks and other public spaces in a bid to protect people from coronavirus.
Austerity's toll on competency framework requirements
If austerity is coming to an end then maybe it's time some of those who have held frontline services together got some reward and recognition for doing so, says Paul O'Brien.
Growing the grassroots - putting communities at the heart of place-making
Graham Duxbury of Groundwork says a new survey of community groups reveals the gap is growing between local need and the capacity to respond.
Green, green grass of #HOME
Kevin O’Keefe and Cllr Karen Shakespeare explain how an asset management plan is transforming Dudley’s green spaces and encouraging the community to help protect them.
Leave those kids alone
Claire Fox says councils continue to thwart kids’ play activities in the interests of bureaucracy