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The campaign is part of a plan by the UK-based Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). This commission recently presented a ten-point Manifesto, calling on citizens, local and national politicians, local authorities and businesses to band together to stop the trend of a 'compensation culture'. This culture prevents the public from enjoying local parks and open spaces, caused by a fear of local authorities for litigation and, consequently, an obsession with safety. Many things held so dear by citizens, such as ancient trees, boating lakes, adventure playgrounds, water features and public art, are increasingly being classified as "too risky".
A few examples are mentioned in a press release by CABE. In February, the Suffolk County Council outlawed the suspension of hanging baskets from some lampposts in Bury St Edmunds, for fear one might fall on somebody's head, even though this had never happened in the 18 years they had been on show. Other decisions included horse chestnut trees threatened with the chop because their conkers might be a "danger" to youngsters collecting from the road, and the removal of a swing from a village playing field on the grounds that it faced into the sun and could blind children.
The Manifesto for Better Public Spaces, welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, is supported by a new report, The Value of Public Space, showing how cities in the UK and around the world have received far-reaching economic, health and social benefits from making the best of their public spaces.
The report and Manifesto seek to build a national consensus that parks and public space are a genuine political and financial priority. They also give local communities, politicians, local authorities, businesses and consultants the information they need to make the case for better quality civic space. CABE is calling on the public to sign up to the Manifesto at www.itsyourspace.org.uk and pledge their support for improving our public spaces.
