As part of the first ever people-powered parks investigation, over 700 residents in Cheadle have taken action to protect local green spaces.
These residents – who are also members of campaigning organisation 38 Degrees, submitted Freedom of Information requests to the local council. They seek detail of the financing of local green spaces and any discussions the council is having with private companies regarding the use of, and access to parks.
This investigation comes as local MP Mary Robinson is reviewing the future of England’s parks via a Communities and Local Government committee inquiry.
Over 170,000 members of 38 Degrees responded to the Communities and Local Government committee’s consultation – some of whom were invited to attend the evidence session in parliament.
Collectively, 38 Degrees members are calling for parks to be brought under a statutory duty. This would ensure parks are legally protected and remain accessible to all. Furthermore, the action taken by 729 residents isn’t happening in isolation. Hundreds-of-thousands of 38 Degrees members across England have written to their local councils asking how they plan to manage local parks and green spaces.
322,457 members of 38 Degrees have previously signed a petition to ask MPs to make protecting parks a statutory duty, demonstrating a high level of support for this issue.
Action on protecting parks has been catalysed by the significant budget cuts parks have experienced across the country. A series of reports warn that budget cuts mean councils are reducing funding for local green spaces, with some seeking to ‘monetize’ these public spaces such that local people may have to pay to use them. [4]
The Communities and Local Government Committee is currently holding an inquiry into public parks to consider the situation amid ‘concerns that their existence is under threat.’
Jacky, a 38 Degrees member and Cheadle local resident shares why green spaces are so important to the community:
“In a busy, noisy, built up area with heavy traffic congestion, parks are a small oasis of grass and trees. The children get immense enjoyment from the swings slides and other play equipment. Dog walkers can exercise their dogs, (and themselves) in safety. They are a vital asset to the community.”
David, a Cheadle constituent and 38 Degrees member shares why local parks are so important:
“They simply get you away from urban areas and our fast moving hectic lives and jobs. They surround you in nature – trees, shrubs, flowers, grassland, hills, mountains, streams, rivers. They make you feel refreshed, distressed, happy, relaxed.”
Jacquie, a 38 Degrees member and Cheadle local resident shares why she values local green spaces:
“Parks are clean, safe, exciting for the grandchildren, and such a wonderful space for us to enjoy.”
Rachel Diamond-Hunter, Campaign Manager at 38 Degrees, says:
“The future of England’s parks is in our hands. Parks are under threat of funding cuts and privatisation, but we have a chance right now to influence how our local green spaces remain accessible to everyone.
“Residents in Cheadle see their local parks as an absolute priority. The impressive contributions to our country-wide people-powered parks investigation is a testament to that. It’s important for Mary Robinson to keep local constituents in mind when deciding what happens to England’s green spaces.”
Charlotte Woodworth, Campaigns Director at 38 Degrees, says:
“Members of the public are best placed in updating us all on the state of England’s parks. We’re the ones who notice the gaps in maintenance and the one-off private events that take up significant sections of parks. Events like these prevent us from enjoying our local green spaces.
“It’s incredible to see so many people coming together to protect our public parks for now and generations to come. The action taken by residents in Cheadle is truly inspiring and we hope the government understands the importance of green spaces in our communities.”
