MORE than £2m will be spent on improving Barnsley’s parks and open spaces thanks to a one-off funding scheme which aims to reduce antisocial behaviour.
Ruling cabinet members are set to sign off on the package on Wednesday, with ‘every ward’ in Barnsley to benefit following a survey into what can be done.
According to a cabinet report, all work is expected to be completed by March, with new playground equipment, footways, lighting, planting, bins and benches being fitted.
“Enhancing our parks and open spaces will also help reduce antisocial behaviour,” the report said.
“This will be achieved by attracting more people to these spaces.
“To attract people to these spaces, parks themselves must be appealing, safe and offer links to other activities and programmes of work.
“The parks and open spaces investment programme aims to make high-quality and visible improvements to parks and open spaces across the borough, in every ward.
“The project requires an investment of £2.1m to fund the improvement works to parks and open spaces.
“Funding will be met through the additional one-off resources received as part of the Local Government Finance Settlement in December 2024.
“As part of Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme, our six area councils have been allocated £25,000 each to be used on a project which would make a difference to their local community.
“It’s proposed that the parks and open spaces investment can be used to complement the Love Where You Live programme, where it is supporting the revitalisation of our local communities, bringing people together through social action and community pride.
“It will help to improve parks and green spaces across the borough for all residents to enjoy, while maintaining the borough’s natural environment for future generations.
“This investment will run alongside other council priorities across the borough to enhance Barnsley and make it an even better place to live, work and thrive.”
The announcement comes just two weeks after a recently-refurbished play area - at Bank End Park in Worsbrough - was targeted by vandals.
According to a Freedom of Information response from the council, about 400 damage reports per year are logged owing to vandalised equipment, fires, graffiti and broken glass.
However, the council believe the extra cash injection will ‘foster community ownership’ and the scheme has received praise from councillors.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “We want to make sure that every community in Barnsley has access to safe, welcoming and vibrant green spaces.
“Investing in our parks and green spaces is more than improving the look of our borough; it’s about supporting the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our residents.
“Our parks play a crucial role in protecting our environment by providing natural habitats for wildlife and open spaces where people can relax, socialise and exercise to help improve their wellbeing.”
