Critics say £13m for parks is not enough

A GOVERNMENT announcement of £13m for parks is not enough to reverse “chronic underfunding”, critics have warned.

Councils will be handed money to repair playgrounds, create new parks and redevelop derelict land.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire said the cash would provide “precious spaces for all of us to get together, to exercise and to play”. But critics say parks need £1bn per year to be properly managed and maintained.

Research last year found £15m was cut from green spaces in 2017 as around half of local authorities slashed funding.

Mr Brokenshire said: “This latest funding will support bold proposals to help renovate and restore existing parks and create new vibrant, safe green spaces for our communities.”

The cash includes £9.7m for maintenance of parks and to increase recreational space.

A further £2.75m is earmarked for the Government’s “pocket parks plus” scheme for communities to turn derelict urban land into parks.

Dave Morris, chairman of the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, said: “What’s needed is around £1bn per year to be reinvested to ensure that all the country’s parks are properly managed and maintained.”

He added: “It’s good that the Government is beginning to respond to the cries of protest calling on them to reverse the chronic underfunding of our parks.”

The Local Government Association welcomed the “much-needed” investment after previously calling for more parks funding.