THE GREAT BRITISH SELL-OFF

Parks, pools & libraries lost

TOWN halls, swimming pools, parks and libraries are being sold to balance councils’ books.

Four thousand buildings and spaces are flogged to developers every year for the highest price.

The vital community services and prime locations are snapped up by private developers – but many are never used.

Now campaigners are calling for the public assets to be protected by transferring them to their local community.

A report titled “The Great British Sell Off ” by communities charity Locality found fewer than half of councils have a plan for community ownership. CEO Tony SOS: Town hall Armstrong said: “More than 4,000 public buildings and spaces are being sold off a year – that’s more than four times the number of Starbucks in the UK. This is a sell-off on a massive scale.”

He added: “Every one of us can think of a local public building or outside space we love and use – from libraries to lidos and town halls to youth centres.

“They are owned by the public and they’re being sold off for short term gain to fill holes in council budgets.”

The charity is calling for the Government to give £200million a year for five years to support a Community Ownership Fund.