Investment is a breath of fresh air for green spaces
Some £50,000 is being used to help enhance urban green spaces in Telford and Wrekin, valued by local communities.
The areas, known as Green Guarantee sites, have been identified as important by communities, providing residents with the chance to get outside, be active and also enjoy the varied plant and wildlife.
They have also been protected from development by Telford & Wrekin Council.
There are 200 council-owned sites across the borough already protected under the Green Guarantee scheme, exceeding the council’s original commitment to protect 150 and a number are now being earmarked for additional improvements.
Councillor John Minor, cabinet member for leisure, green spaces and parks said: “This investment will make getting outdoors in our wonderful borough even easier whatever people’s level of fitness and create new activities where people can get together for support while building a lasting healthy exercise habit.”
Plans include promoting outdoor gyms and creating one mile routes for the Daily Mile initiative – an activity originally aimed at getting children running or jogging in schools, that has now been extended to the wider community.
Wider developments include improving walking and cycling routes and activities for young people including street play schemes, - a national movement restoring children’s freedom to play out in the streets and spaces where they live, for their health, happiness and sense of belonging.
New events will also be springing up that involve lots of people taking part in sports at the same time, similar to ark runs but accessible to wider groups.
Around 250 miles of public footpaths and bridleways cover the borough and £100,000 funding is also being invested to improve Rights of Ways and support public health initiatives.
As well as opening doors for residents to green spaces and joining national initiatives, the funding will also help to deliver site enhancements in areas of most need.
The £150,000 investment is part of a series of new one-off investments which will total £3.6m and has been made possible following changes to the council’s finances including a one-off VAT refund.
