- East Staffordshire Borough Council is to receive a share of £9 million from the Government through the Levelling Up Parks Fund to restore existing green spaces and create new parks across the United Kingdom – helping residents to better enjoy outdoor spaces in our community.
- East Staffordshire is one of 7 areas across the West Midlands to receive funding, which will help to upgrade green spaces across England. People in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will also benefit from funding allocated to the devolved administrations.
- The funding will ensure people from all backgrounds have access to nature while supporting tree planting within public spaces in our urban communities.
Burton and Uttoxeter’s Member of Parliament, Kate Griffiths, has welcomed the news East Staffordshire Borough Council will receive a share of the Government’s new £9 million Levelling Up Parks Fund, designed to build or upgrade new parks and green spaces.
The Fund – which will be distributed across the UK – is designed to help residents to better enjoy green spaces in their communities, providing a natural sanctuary from the bustling streets of towns and cities.
In England, the funding will be given to councils and local authorities for parks, formal greens, and community gardens and can be used to build new spaces or revamp existing areas. East Staffordshire Borough Council is one of 7 areas in the West Midlands to receive a grant from this Fund.
East Staffordshire Borough Council will now be assessing which areas of their park and open estates this funding will be invested in.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP said:
“I am delighted East Staffordshire Borough Council has been awarded a share of the £9 million Levelling Up Parks Fund to improve our local green spaces.
“The parks and green spaces in and around Burton and Uttoxeter provide peaceful areas for residents to relax, exercise, and socialise, but some of these are in need of a revamp. Thanks to this investment from Government, people of all ages will be able to better enjoy the parks and public spaces in our area, while restoring pride in our community.
“When I was elected, I made town centre regeneration and levelling-up our local area a key focus of my campaign. I am pleased we are continuing to secure Government investment into our community which will bring huge dividends, both to our local economy but also importantly civic pride.”
ESBC Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Ray Faulkner, added:
The opportunity to receive up to £85,000 to spend on our parks and open spaces comes as a welcome boost to East Staffs Borough and all of our residents. I am delighted with the news as it comes just two days before Burton has the RHS Judging of our entry in the Finals of Britain in Bloom Competition, having won the regional Heart of England Final last year.
We fully understand how vital all of our areas are where all of our community can meet, relax and socialise. We recognise the mental health and physical benefits to everyone who can go outdoors and meet in a safe and attractive environment.
We have a dedicated, fully committed team at ESBC and they support a vast network of community volunteers across the Borough. Without their enthusiastic support it would not be possible to enjoy the quality environment provided. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to each and every one.
We will be looking carefully at the areas most in need of a refresh or an area requiring a new park over the next few weeks before submitting our proposal to Government.
Commenting, Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark said:
“Parks and green spaces are at the heart of our communities, providing sanctuary from the bustling streets of our towns and cities with spaces for people to relax and come together.
“Over the past few years, the importance of spending time with loved ones and getting outdoors has become even more apparent, and this latest government funding will help people living in urban areas do just that.
“I look forward to seeing the new parks come to life, making a real difference to the daily lives of residents for years to come.”
