Parks and sports – have your say

Residents are being urged to give their views on two new Plan for Change consultations launched by Bury Council.

The authority is looking at the long-term future for sport and leisure opportunities and also for parks, countryside and green spaces.

As part of the Plan for Change programme of savings, it is proposed that these areas contribute £1.28 million (£830,000 parks, £450,000 leisure) towards the council’s overall savings target of £26.5 million by 2015.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “We are facing tremendous financial pressures, and some difficult decisions will have to be made. This is not only about having to find big cuts, but also how services can be provided and managed in future. This may mean that we are no longer able to provide everything residents want, or that we currently provide.

“I urge everyone to take part in the consultation exercise, as your views do matter to us. But we need to stress that, given the financial climate, keeping everything the same as it is now is not an option; so we would particularly welcome suggestions as to how these services can operate in the long-term.”

Sport and Leisure consultation

The council provides a range of sports activities and leisure opportunities, and venues such as Castle Leisure Centre, Radcliffe Pool and Fitness Centre, and Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness Centre. It also works with schools to provide sports facilities in the local community, supports local sports clubs, runs campaigns and delivers projects to encourage greater involvement in sport and physical activity, and provides an exercise referral scheme for those referred by their GP.

The questionnaire asks residents what leisure facilities they use and how often, what activities people value most or would like to see provided, what would encourage them to take more exercise, and how the council’s partners and the community can get involved.

Questionnaires can be completed online at www.bury.gov.uk/leisureconsultation, or picked up at council buildings and returned to The Policy and Improvement Team, Bury Council, Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury BL9 0SW.

Parks, Countryside and Green Spaces consultation

The council is involved with a huge range of parks, open spaces and countryside areas; from urban and country parks to woodlands, allotments to football pitches and bowling greens, play areas to tennis courts, skate parks and ball zones.

It also works with local clubs to promote self-management of facilities and encourages people to get involved in outdoor events and community groups and projects through a comprehensive ranger-led events programme, ‘friends of the park’ groups and community led ‘In-Bloom’ activities.

The questionnaire asks residents which parks and green spaces they visit and how often, what facilities they value most, and how services can be best run in the future.

Questionnaires can be completed online at www.bury.gov.uk/parksandcountrysideconsultation or picked up at council buildings and returned to The Policy and Improvement Team, Bury Council, Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury BL9 0SW.

The closing date for both surveys is 18 January 2013.

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 December 2012.