Have YOUR say on Chesterfield's parks and play areas to help shape their future

Chesterfield Borough Council is asking what people think of the area’s open spaces so it can plan to ensure there is a good mix of different sites that meet the current and future needs of residents.

The survey is looking at most types of open spaces apart from sports pitches and facilities, which include:

- Local parks or gardens

- Country parks

- Nature reserves, commons or woodlands

- Play areas for young children

- Play areas for teenage children

- Grassed areas

- Allotments and community schemes

- Public space areas within cemeteries and churchyards

- Civic spaces and war memorial gardens

- Cycle paths, footpaths and bridleways

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know open spaces are some of the most important facilities for residents because they are spaces to meet, exercise and have fun.

“Some are run by us but others are managed by our partners, like Derbyshire County Council, town and parish councils and voluntary sector organisations.

“This consultation is important because to plan for the future we first need to know who is using open spaces now, how often they are used, what people think about them, how far they travel to use them and what activities they are being used for.

“We then want to get the views of local people about what would improve those open spaces in the future and to find out whether we have the right type and quality near enough to where people live for them to be used regularly in the future.”

The information gained from the consultation will help develop the borough’s next Local Plan - which guides future development needs and is also used when assessing planning applications.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The Government asks all local planning authorities to carry out studies which identify the right level of accessible, open spaces to meet the needs of local communities, residents and visitors.

“I would encourage all residents in the Chesterfield borough to take part to ensure that we have the most accurate information to base future plans on.”

The consultation runs until 5pm on Friday June 1. A separate version of the survey has also been produced to get the views of young people.

Further details, including the consultation survey, can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/openspacesPaper copies of the survey will be available in the council’s Customer Service Centre in New Square, at the Queen’s Park Sports Centre, the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley and Chesterfield Library.