Liverpool signs 1st pledge in bid to protect its parks

IN 1 of her final acts as Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, has sealed the deal to protect Falkner Square Gardens, in Toxteth, with the Council set to agree similar terms for another 20 much-loved parks and green spaces within the next 12 months.

In total, more than 1,000 hectares of urban green space will eventually be enshrined for future generations in the City to enjoy as part of a unique partnership with the charity Fields in Trust.

Liverpool City Council is the UK's 1st local Authority to adopt and enforce this approach, ensuring that the outdoor areas will not be built on or sold off, safeguarding the land and ensuring a tangible legacy for local communities.

Through partnership work, the Council will secure the future of dozens of much loved parks and green spaces across the City in a phased approach with an aim to complete by the end of 2024.

As part of the 1st phase, Fields In Trust carried out a strategic review to identify the spaces which have the most potential to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Liverpool City Council will retain ownership of the green spaces and will continue to be responsible for the maintenance of all of the parks.

The importance of parks and green spaces for people's mental and physical wellbeing was brought into sharp focus during the Covid19 Pandemic.

Fields in Trust's evaluation of Liverpool's green space shows that there is around 25.3 square metres per person, around a quarter of the size of a 6-yard box on a football pitch and according to the ONS, just 16% of people in Liverpool have no access to a private, or shared garden.

With the population of Liverpool set to increase by 10.3 per cent over the next 20 years, any future loss of parks and green spaces would disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged and underrepresented communities, who would be missing out on these health benefits, as well as opportunities to get out into nature, have a kickabout and connect with their neighbours.

In championing the UK's green spaces, Fields in Trust is calling on other local Authorities to follow Liverpool's lead and legally protect their parks and green spaces to support the health and wellbeing of future generations.

To read more about Liverpool's 10 post-Pandemic pledges, visit the website.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said:- "Liverpool is blessed to have so many stunning green spaces, and by signing this deal it means we can ensure everyone has access to free, local outdoor spaces for sport, play and recreation, forever. The health, wellbeing and community benefits these locations deliver are priceless, demonstrated so clearly during the Pandemic when they became such a central and important part of our lives. And the benefits aren't just health-related. Access to green spaces improves our neighbourhoods, tackles climate change, supports education and economic growth and they frequently become the stage on which we host many of our hugely popular cultural celebrations. Our partnership with Fields In Trust is a ground-breaking, forward thinking approach to protecting our parks and green spaces and we look forward to working with the charity to secure the future of all of these vital assets."

Fields in Trust Chair of Trustees, Jo Barnett said:- "Throughout the Pandemic we've realised just how valuable parks and green spaces are to our health and wellbeing, yet across the UK only 6 per cent of parks are protected and access to them is not equitable. We welcome this pioneering commitment by Liverpool City Council to recognise the proven physical and mental health benefits of local parks. These are valuable places; places where we can all move, breathe, run and play. We need to champion and support these precious spaces by protecting them for future generations to enjoy. Because once lost, they are lost forever."
 

Police Commissioner launches survey on anti social behaviour

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner wants to hear the public's views on how people who commit low level anti social behaviour crimes should be dealt with outside of Court.

Emily Spurrell has today launched a consultation on the Community Remedy, which provides a list of appropriate actions for dealing with perpetrators of crime, without Court proceedings.

The consultation aims to give members of the public and victims of crime a greater say on what they think the most effective punishment is for a person who has committed anti social behaviour.

The survey is part of the Commissioner's work to improve the services on offer to victims of crime by asking for their views and experiences.

By listening to the voices of people across Merseyside, the Police Commissioner wants to improve the support delivered to victims in the future.

The results will be taken into consideration to inform the final list of actions available as Community Remedies which will be agreed by the Commissioner and the Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "Tackling anti social behaviour is a priority for me and a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, making sure that our communities across Merseyside are safe and residents are free from harm. While anti social behaviour can sometime, wrongly, be viewed low-level, it can have a lasting and devastating impact on someone's life. This consultation is about empowering people to have a greater voice in the punishment of those who commit crimes against them. By taking part in this survey, people will have a direct say in what punishments are included in the list of community remedy options that the Chief Constable and I agree and are used in the future. This is all about involving victims in the criminal justice process and trying to find ways that offenders can repair some of the harm they have caused."

The Community Remedy was introduced as part of the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is intended to give victims more say in the range of punishments offenders may face. Community remedies only take place in circumstances where victims are happy to be involved and in certain types of cases, such as those committed by 1st time offenders who have shown genuine remorse or where an out of Court disposal would be more appropriate than formal Court proceedings.

All the actions in the Community Remedy list are designed to be appropriate and proportionate to the types of offences that are committed. Depending on the crime or incident that has occurred, a Police Officer will make the final decision if a community remedy is suitable. They will discuss this with the victim and the perpetrator to make sure they both agree with the approach before using the community remedy list with the victim to determine the best action to take.

If the offender fails to comply with the action determined, they can face Court action for their behaviour.

Emily added:- "In a recent survey, 56% of respondents on Merseyside said preventing crime and ASB should be the biggest priority for our Police Service. Community remedies are designed to reduce re-offending by encouraging offenders to face up to the consequences of their anti social or criminal behaviour, to take responsibility for their actions and to appreciate the suffering they may have caused. That is why it is so important for people to get involved and share their views with me. Your views are really important in helping reduce anti social behaviour now and for the future."

Emily is asking people to share their views on these punishments through a quick online survey. The survey is open until:- Tuesday, 11 April 2023.