Chidgey Backs "Green Spaces" Campaign

5.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Apr 2004

David Chidgey, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, today welcomed the launch of a manifesto from the Commission of Architecture and Built Environment (CABE) Space. The commission is demanding better quality and higher financial priority for public spaces and parks in the UK.

The idea behind the CABE Space manifesto is to encourage local people to get involved in public green spaces and offers ideas on how to build or improve their local parks. The manifesto helps to find sources of funding and encourages local people and businesses to sign up to its charter.

Mr Chidgey said:

"I know that good access to local parks and public spaces can make a real difference to the lives of many of my constituents, especially in the way they contribute to building strong communities. Small green places in urban areas can brighten up people's everyday lives, providing space to meet and for children to play. They can be just as important as major parks like the Itchen Valley Country Park and much more accessible. I hope that people may be inspired by the ideas for parks put forward by CABE Space.

Mr Chidgey will be discussing the CABE Space campaign with Eastleigh Borough Council members to assess how it may benefit local people. CABE Space celebrates its first anniversary in May as a champion of excellence in public space provision and design. For further details of the CABE scheme can be found at www.itsyourspace.org.uk and can be contacted on 0207 960 2400.

ENDS