Former Kirklees Council gardener calls for more investment in district's parks to improve people's lives
A former Kirklees Council gardener has criticised the local authority’s treatment of the borough’s parks.
In neighbouring Bradford, this year’s council budget has set aside £300,000 to tackle maintenance issues and improve facilities at several local parks. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Bradford Council says this comes on top of a £3.3m boost put into parks in recent years.
Former Kirklees Council gardener, Peter Fawcett, has questioned why a similar approach is not being taken closer to home.
He said: “The performance in the last 25 years of Kirklees Council in regards to parks is one of constant year on year of decline.
“Parks have their place to play, but due to a lack of concern and love, their funding has been reduced year on year.
“It is wrong to cut funds for parks which use less money to provide a lot of benefits – well-being, the pleasure of colour and making towns look brighter at very little cost.
“So why they are treated in this way when they could do so much to improve people’s lives at very little cost?”
Mr Fawcett, of Cleckheaton, added: “It is not for the lack of money that Kirklees have abandoned the parks – millions has been spent on expensive whims.
“Under the watch of this same Kirklees Council, this decline has been getting worse ever year. The parks have no pride left.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the council to address the above and set out its strategy and annual budget for the maintenance of the borough’s parks.
David Shepherd, executive director for place, said: “Parks and green spaces are vital to communities, offering a place to play, exercise or just relax, and the council continues to preserve the condition, safety and legacy of these valued public spaces.
“Several of our parks have continued to receive Green Flag status, which is testament to the dedication of our parks officers who maintain the district’s parks.
“Funding for maintaining and improving our parks and green spaces comes from several sources, including capital and ward budgets, external grants from charities and partner organisations, and national funding provided by government.”