A short Stockport Council consultation survey has revealed that 8 bowling greens are marked for closure by Stockport Lib Dems and other cuts are being proposed for Stockport’s parks.
As part of the ‘Parks and Open Spaces’ consultation survey, it has been revealed that the Lib Dems are proposing that;
- Litter will be cleared up less often,
- Broken and worn-out play equipment will not be replaced,
- Broken benches and gates will not be replaced,
- Most hedge trimming will stop,
- Plants and grassed areas will be pruned or cut less often,
- Fewer staff will be based at parks,
- 8 bowling greens will be closed,
- Support for ‘Friends of’ (volunteer groups that help maintain parks) by Solutions SK stopped.
In the Council Budget, passed by the Lib Dems in face of opposition from Labour, a £1m cut to the Parks Service was approved.
Cllr Andy Verdeille, Leader of Stockport Labour Group, commented on the announcement of wide-ranging cuts to the park service: “It’s pretty shoddy that the Lib Dems have hidden the detail of their cuts to Stockport’s parks in an extremely short consultation survey buried on the Council’s website. We warned that a £1m cut to the parks service would lead to huge cuts to facilities and maintenance. I’m sad to say that we’ve been proven right.
“I and my fellow Labour councillors have been contacted by residents complaining that the consultation is still very vague. The Council is asking people to give their opinions on cuts without presenting the full facts and figures.”
Cllr Kate Butler (Reddish North), has been contacted by bowlers in her ward affected by the proposed closure of 8 bowling greens. Cllr Butler said: “I’ve had residents contact me upset about the possible closure of bowling greens they’ve used for years and have built strong communities around. The greens marked for closure are in some of the poorest areas of Stockport. There is also conflicting information concerning maintenance being given out. The Council needs to come clean with exactly what they are proposing.”
The bowling greens marked for closure are Brinnington Park, Cale Green Park, Heaton Moor Park, Heaton Norris Park, Houldsworth Park, St Thomas Park and South Reddish Park.