The London Green Spaces Friends Groups Network
http://e-voice.org.uk/london-friends-network/
The Future of London’s Green Spaces:
London Assembly Investigation / Inquiry now underway. Evidence and recommendations requested.
Our much-loved parks and green spaces – around 3,000 throughout London – are recognised by all to be essential public resources providing an unparalleled range of vital services and facilities for all sections of our communities, and for nature. But their future is under threat due to Government cuts to local public services. This serious underfunding crisis needs to be addressed and reversed immediately.
The London Assembly has agreed to hold a formal Investigation /Inquiry into this crisis engulfing London’s public parks and green spaces, and what needs to be done. Full details here.
All those who are concerned on this issue and wish to respond with evidence on the state of London’s green spaces and their views on what should be done to protect, enhance and improve them for current and future generations are urged to respond – initial deadline Friday 9th December (but responses will be accepted after that date).
Our initial draft response, which others are welcome to endorse or adapt, is set out in full below. E-mail submissions should be made to:
<mailto:environmentcommittee@london.gov.uk>environmentcommittee@london.gov.uk
In summary, the Friends group Network is saying that our public green spaces need:
– statutory recognition as a statutory service, with all public green spaces expected to be managed to Green Flag Award standard
– adequate public funding (eg from general taxation or majorinfrastructure budgets)
– effective protection by all tiers of Government
Dave Morris – for the London Green Spaces Friends Groups Network
