“Today’s announcement from the Mayor on the importance of green spaces is really encouraging. It shows he is listening to Londoners. When the Environment Committee investigated the capital’s green spaces, we received an unprecedented response from thousands of Londoners - showing how much they love their parks and community gardens.
We know that some local authorities are already cutting the amount they spend on their parks and open spaces, so we are delighted with this much-needed cash injection.
It’s great that communities are being given the money to maintain and improve their parks and spaces, however we cannot just rely on the goodwill of local people. Green space is essential for all Londoners and we need to make sure that it is protected for the future.
Access is as important as upkeep. We need attractive parks and open spaces that all Londoners can access. This can be complemented by green walls and roofs, but as people can’t set foot in them, they can't replace our open spaces."
Notes to editors
- ‘Park life: ensuring green spaces remain a hit with Londoners’ report
- Leonie Cooper AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.