West Midlands Residents Demand Safer, Cleaner Parks and Green Spaces
Hundreds of people across the West Midlands have spoken out to reveal what would encourage them to use parks and outdoor spaces in the region more frequently. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) conducted a significant consultation exercise as part of its ambitious bid to become the United Kingdom's inaugural 'Outdoor Region for Everyone', which concluded last month.
Officials stated that the exercise aimed to understand how residents feel about their neighbourhoods and identify the barriers preventing them from utilising parks, green spaces, canals, and towpaths throughout the region. The insights gathered will be instrumental in shaping practical actions designed to reduce inequalities and strengthen connections to nature, place, and community.
Community Voices Highlight Key Concerns and Suggestions
A total of 326 individuals participated in the consultation, offering their perspectives on desired improvements and expressing a range of positive, neutral, and negative sentiments about their local areas. One contributor emphasised the need for more sports activities for teenagers and children, advocating for youth clubs that teach essential life skills.
"I think there needs to be more sport activities for teens and kids. There needs to be a youth club for young and older teens," said one resident. "Teach them proper life skills. How to live life as an adult. Teach them to cook. Clean. Pay bills."
Safety concerns emerged as a prominent issue, with another participant noting that fear prevents them from using local parks. They suggested more regular patrols by community wardens, litter picking initiatives, and community events to enhance the appeal of outdoor spaces.
Specific Improvements Proposed by Residents
When asked about desired enhancements, residents provided detailed suggestions. One person called for measures to address littering and excessive feeding of animals, along with designated areas for travellers to prevent park damage. Another resident proposed a comprehensive approach to improving green spaces.
"More benches, map of green spaces, clear transport routes linking outdoor spaces, encourage greater biodiversity, more trees, neighbourhood teams who care for green spaces," they added.
Addressing safety issues was a recurring theme in the responses. One woman highlighted the need for environments free from intimidating groups or 'boy racers', stressing that women should feel safe when alone in public spaces.
"Safe spaces, free of intimidating groups or 'boy racers'. As a woman on her own I should be able to go anywhere and feel safe but you can't," she explained.
Positive Aspects of Neighbourhoods Acknowledged
Despite the concerns, residents also shared positive feedback about their communities. One individual appreciated living near green areas with walking paths around the estate, while another valued the diversity of cultures in their neighbourhood.
"We like that there is a nature reserve on our doorstep. There is also a park just a short walk away," said one participant. Another added, "Good schools close by and close to motorway access as well as green areas too."
The consultation results will now inform the WMCA's strategies to transform the West Midlands into a model outdoor region, prioritising safety, cleanliness, and accessibility for all residents.
