'Luton should follow in Liverpool's footsteps to protect town's green spaces' says Lib Dems

Luton would be "crazy" not to take a leaf out of Liverpool's book to protect its green open spaces, according to the town's Liberal Democrats.

Liverpool City Council has partnered with the national charity Fields in Trust to protect the city's parks and other green areas.

Now Luton should follow that example and consider a similar agreement, says Liberal Democrat group leader and Barnfield councillor David Franks.

"There can't be a town anywhere in Britain more in need of protection for its parks and green open spaces," he explained.

The Liberal Democrats have asked for a full report on the arrangement in Liverpool to be made available to the borough council's overview and scrutiny board.

"It looks like a really trailblazing initiative by this respected national charity," said councillor Franks.

"Liverpool's local authority has seized the opportunity to be the first to take up the challenge. Luton should follow Liverpool's lead.

"The borough council now has a serious chance to put together a partnership deal which will make a difference for future generations.

"It would be crazy to ignore the possibilities of such an arrangement. We need to find out alot more about how it works."

The Liberal Democrats have asked the council's democracy department for a full report on the details of the deal and any costs involved.

A first-of-its-kind commitment in Liverpool is set to protect all the city's parks and green spaces in perpetuity, ensuring they can never be sold off or build on, said Fields in Trust.

Under its pioneering strategic partnership with the city council, 100 parks and green spaces across Liverpool are protected, covering around 2,500 acres of land.

"These will always remain as green spaces for sport, nature and play," added the charity.

"The commitment also sets an ambition that no resident in Liverpool will live more than a ten-minute walk from a high-quality protected green space.

"It's a landmark decision that will benefit both people and place not just for current residents, but for generations to come.

"Parks and green spaces have been vital over the last year as places to play, exercise, relax, reflect and to stay socially connected, while physically distanced.

"They're expected to continue to be important as part of our recovery from the coronavirus pandemic."

Fields in Trust used to be known as the National Playing Fields Association.