UK green space fund announced.

UK green space fund announced.

UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced a £201m funding programme for the development of the nation’s parks and green spaces.

The Deputy PM commented; "It's not just about bricks and mortar. It's about the spaces between the places the streets, parks and public spaces we use each day. We want these to be safe, attractive places. Parks and green spaces form a focal point of community life. They should not be a derelict, vandalised wasteland that drives people away. That is why we are investing this money."

The investment will run over a three year period, during which the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), Groundwork UK and local authorities will work on developments. Over 5000 individual projects will benefit directly from the investment.

The decision comes the same week as it was announced that 200,000 new homes were to be built in the South East, a move which attracted criticism from environmentalists and conservationists.