The Parks Development Service and the grounds maintenance element within the Accord contract are recognised by this administration as playing an important role in maintaining parks and open spaces for the benefit of all our local communities. We recognise that there has been under investment in our parks over a number of years and in response to this, for the first time we are proposing a strategic approach to target investment where it will have the greatest impact. We will align this to a realistic delivery plan.

Community and Cultural Services are currently preparing a Parks Development Strategy which will be presented in draft form for consultation in the spring. This will outline our approach to parks, recognising the valuable contribution they make to many of our priorities. This will also identify realistic funding requirements to deliver high quality facilities and look at possible opportunities to attract external funding.