Brighton launches parks consultation

A lack of money and further expected budget cuts is putting parks in Brighton and Hove at risk, according to the City Council.

The council has warned that as budgets decline, with the budget being slashed by £68 million between 2015 and 2019, it will have to make controversial decisions about how the city's parks and open spaces will be protected and maintained into the future.

Brighton & Hove has approximately 147 parks including heritage parks, playing fields and green spaces, as well as more than 3,000 allotments, 50 playgrounds and a section of the South Downs National Park.

Across the city itself, there is approximately 3,200 acres of open space, most of which is managed by our Cityparks team and supported by volunteers and friends of parks groups.

The Citypark's budget was £4 million for the year 2015-2016. In the council’s four year budget plan, this budget will be cut by £600,000 to £3.6 million between now and 2020.

The council has urged the public to share their feelings in an open consultation.