Concerns over future uses of city's parks

Fears over the future of Birmingham's parks have risen as the city council looks at ways of generating money.

The Labour-run authority is embarking on a review of its parks management service as a potential cost-saving measure.

One suggestion in a council report included the closure of Kings Heath Park garden centre and nursery, sparking an online petition which has attracted more than 2,600 signatures.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, the cabinet member for environment, said: "Everyone is aware of our budgetary position in the council, some difficult decisions will have to be made."

The local authority also said it was considering commercialisation options, such as a high ropes course at Cannon Hill Park in Moseley.

Speaking at a meeting this month, the councillor for the area, Izzy Knowles, said such ideas have "thrown up an alarm bell".

"I'm aware at the moment of at least two, possibly three approaches from sports clubs to take over parts of our parks," she said.

"If that's going to happen to the detriment of other users, I'm not sure that is a good thing.

"We've already got commercial organisations in quite a large space in Cannon Hill Park.

"Whether the park is suitable for another commercial venture – it's not Sherwood Forest."

Ms Knowles also described the potential closure of Kings Heath Park garden centre and nursery as "devastating".

"It is such a popular nursery and it will not be a popular decision to close it – I think it's a shame," she said.

Mr Mahmood said the proposal was under review.

"But there is a significant loss attributed to Kings Heath nursery unfortunately," he said.

"Unless we can think of ideas to bring in additional income to the nursery, it's going to be difficult."

On the increased commercialisation of green spaces, the councillor added: "They're not taking up valuable space, the public uses.

"For example, if you've got a large space which is used for community events, we wouldn't allow a commercial operator to come in and take over."

"We do have a budgetary situation with the parks," he added. "We don't have the money we want to have in order to develop the parks."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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