Consultation: The Future of Our Open Spaces

(1/10/14)

Rochford District Council is seeking the views of local people on the future of our parks and open spaces.

The authority has drafted an Open Spaces Strategy and is asking people to take part in a consultation to see whether it addresses local needs.

This document is intended to help inform decisions regarding the provision, development, management, maintenance and enhancement of open spaces, play areas and outdoor sports pitches over the period of 2015-2018.

It also seeks to ensure that the important role and contribution of open space to communities and the quality of life of local residents is appropriately recognised.

The focus of the strategy will be on properly linking our woodland, farmland, lowland marsh, creeks, mudflats, towns and villages, for the enjoyment of generations to come.

 The closing date for the consultation is November 28, 2014.

To take part in the consultation use this weblink  http://www.rochford.gov.uk/openspaces

and give your views using our online form. Alternatively, you can download a hard copy to complete and post back to us.

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Councillor Keith Gordon, said: “We are incredibly proud of the numerous parks, woodlands and open spaces we have across the Rochford District. These spaces are what make our District such a beautiful and interesting place to live, work and visit, and for this reason we need to get our Open Spaces Strategy right. A key part of the strategy is to encourage more people to make use of these areas, taking part in sport and pursuing an active lifestyle. It also focuses on how we will preserve our District’s natural assets for future generations to enjoy.”

The strategy is divided into five sections:

1. Community and Wildlife – Increase users of green space and numbers of volunteers, and manage these spaces to protect and enhance biodiversity. The aim will also be to ensure, where appropriate, that new development includes high quality public spaces.

2. Finance – Minimise running costs, whilst maximising value for money. It will require the authority to seek funding opportunities and boost inward investment from visitors.

3. Organisational Capacity - Building the capacity and capabilities with staff, partners and the community to deliver the challenges ahead

4. Operational – To provide green spaces that are clean, safe and welcoming.

5. An Action Plan with target dates

Cllr Gordon added: “This strategy is still in draft format and we really need to hear the views of local residents. These are the people who use these spaces every day, care about them, know them inside out, and are best placed to help us decide their future. I’d really urge all residents of the Rochford District to take a look at this document and give us your views.”