Experts fear public park neglect

Architecture experts want public areas spruced up

Architecture experts believe public spaces are being neglected because local councils are "obsessed" with safety.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) fears that Britain's urban areas are becoming "fun-free" and "soulless".

As a result, the body is launching a campaign to spruce up Britain's parks and open spaces.

Experts believe public areas are a political and financial priority.

Julia Thrift, head of CABE Space, said: "People do want to spend more time outdoors in our towns and cities; it's healthy and it's enjoyable.

Lack of vision

"But too often a 'safety first' attitude combined with a lack of vision denies local people the chance to have fun and to get the most out of spaces that, by rights, are theirs."

The CABE says the cost of bogus or excessive compensation claims to local authorities is around £117m per annum.

Far from being tempted to run in the park with the wind on our faces, the whole country is running scared Head of CABE Space Julia Thrift

As a result, it says parks and public places are under threat because they are being classified as too risky by councils.

Ms Thrift claims the mere possibility of litigation is stunting the imagination and dulling the enthusiasm both of those who use public spaces and those who create and care for them.

She added: "The result is that far from being tempted to run in the park with the wind on our faces, the whole country is running scared."

Boost

Matt Bell, director of CABE policy and communications, believes public spaces can also boost health.

He added: "If parks are improved this is a great benefit to people who take regular exercise because these are natural surroundings.

"As a result this can increase their life expectancy by five years.

"We can't let these areas fall into neglect. Local authorities need to provide investment and funding."

The CABE has launched a 10-point programme to encourage the public, politicians and local authorities to improve public spaces.

It also lists eight projects around the UK as benchmark projects from which to draw inspiration and knowledge.

Godolphin Road Community Garden in west London is run by the Hammersmith Community Gardens Association and is one of the projects the CABE has earmarked as an important example.

Cathy Maund, co-ordinator of the group, said: "We're very pleased to be listed as an inspiration because the CABE are recognising inner city gardens.

"We do get problems with vandalism but we do manage very well with local volunteers.

"Public spaces do need to be improved. A lot of areas are spruced up and six months later they are a mess again because they are neglected.

"We have a continual input and I think that is something that is very important."

The CABE is calling on the public to sign up to the programme and pledge their support for improving public spaces.