Report claims nearly half of Luton neighbourhoods have poor access to green spaces

As the town prepares for another lockdown from Thursday, mental health charity Mind says that nature plays an important part in reducing stress and anger - particularly during uncertain times.

Last week's report was published by Friends of the Earth and ranked the accessibility of green spaces in Luton.

It found that:

> 19% of neighbourhoods in Luton are in the bottom category, with very small gardens, no green space within a five-minute walk, and limited access to spaces further afield;

> 29% of neighbourhoods have limited access due to homes having very small gardens, while public spaces are less accessible either because of the limited number of them or because they are more than five minutes' walk for most residents;

> 29% of neighbourhoods have moderate access to green spaces, with small gardens and either some public green space within five minutes’ walk, or good access further afield;

> 24% of neighbourhoods have good provision, with either large gardens and access to small public spaces within five minutes’ walk, or smaller gardens but large public spaces within the same distance;

> 0% of neighbourhoods have the best access, with large gardens and significant public spaces less than five minutes’ walk away.

Environmental campaigners are pushing for the government to invest in public spaces.

Mike Childs, head of science at Friends of the Earth, said: “Our research shows that millions of people across the country are missing out on the physical and mental health benefits of decent green space and connection with nature.

"Decades of brutal cuts to local authority budgets, combined with poor planning controls, have created thousands of nature-deprived neighbourhoods.

"This hits black, Asian and minority ethnic people the hardest with almost 40% living in the areas most deprived of green space."

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: "The council is disappointed at the findings of the report yet acknowledges the challenges facing a high density town such as ours.

"We fully appreciate the importance of green spaces in the life of the population and are working hard to increase access to these vital areas for everyone in Luton.

"As part of our 'Luton 2020 - 2040 A Place to thrive' agenda to improve both the local environment and people’s health and wellbeing, we will provide additional opportunities for walking, cycling and other recreational activities for residents, workers and visitors in the town. Our parks and the local green infrastructure network are an integral part of this.

"We have more than 100 parks and open spaces in all areas of the town and many parts of Luton lie on the edge of the countryside.

"Six of Luton’s parks have retained their Green Flag status at this year’s awards and draw in thousands of visitors throughout the year to enjoy their facilities.

"In addition we are currently consulting on re-imagining the town centre to make it a cleaner and greener space for residents. This important public area will be improved in line with our pledge to make the town carbon neutral by 2040 and will include managed open public spaces.

"We currently have an open-Lea Park proposal on the brink of planning permission. This will provide much needed green space in one of the densest part of Luton and underlines our ongoing commitment to improving such public facilities."