County Council seeks support of local groups in the future management of parks and greenspaces

Worcestershire County Council is inviting local organisations to an open forum event later this month (February) about a project that could potentially see them take over responsibility for the authority's parks and greenspaces.

As part of Worcestershire County Council's BOLD (Better Outcomes Lean Delivery) programme, a project is underway to look at the possibility of other organisations taking on responsibility for the authority's award-winning estate of Country Parks, Forest Parks, Riverside Parks, Picnic Places, Commons and Local Nature Reserves. The sites' many users are being reassured that transfers would only take place where the County Council was fully satisfied that the excellent standards currently enjoyed by visitors would be maintained or improved.

An informal forum offering further information about the project will take place between 2.30pm and 5pm on February 24 at County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester.

Any groups or representatives from organisations interested in the project are being invited to attend to find out how they could get involved.

Cllr John Campion, County Council Cabinet Member for Localism and Communities, said: "This authority and the thousands of visitors that use our award-winning countryside sites regard them as an invaluable community asset and we are delighted to receive excellent customer feedback. We are as committed as ever to ensuring they continue to be available for people to enjoy, however, this project is about exploring whether there are organisations out there that might be better placed to manage one or more of the sites in the future. We would particularly welcome organisations from the voluntary and community sector including social enterprises, community interest companies, parish councils and trusts, getting involved."

"The open forum event has been arranged so that interested parties can find out more and we can gauge the level of interest in the project. I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along."

A map of all County Council countryside sites is available online.

For more details about the project or to book a free place at the  information event, please contact Countryside Manager, Andy Maginnis, via email at amaginnis@worcestershire.gov.uk or call 01905 766155.

This page was last reviewed 14 February 2012 at 11:25.
The page is next due for review 12 August 2013.