CAMPAIGNING residents are calling on the government to do more to protect parks and green spaces.

As part of a people-powered parks investigation, more than 700 residents in Thirsk and Malton have taken action to protect their local green spaces.

The residents - who are also members of campaigning organisation 38 Degrees - submitted Freedom of Information requests to Hambleton District Council seeking details of the financing of local green spaces.

They also want to know what discussions, if any, the council is having with private companies regarding the use of public parks.

The investigation comes as Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake is reviewing the future of England’s parks via a Communities and Local Government committee inquiry.

Members of 38 Degrees are calling for parks to be brought under a statutory duty to ensure they are legally protected and remain accessible to all in the face of budget cuts.

The action taken by Thirsk and Malton constituents is part of a national campaign, and Rachel Diamond-Hunter, campaign manager at 38 Degrees, explains: “Parks are under threat of funding cuts and privatisation, but we have a chance right now to influence how our local green spaces remain accessible to everyone.

“Thirsk and Malton constituents see their local parks as an absolute priority. The impressive contributions to our country-wide people-powered parks investigation is a testament to that.

“It’s important for Kevin Hollinrake MP to keep local constituents in mind when deciding what happens to England’s green spaces.”

Charlotte Woodworth, campaigns director at 38 Degrees, added: “It’s incredible to see so many people coming together to protect our public parks for now and generations to come. The action taken by residents in Thirsk and Malton is truly inspiring and we hope the government understands the importance of green spaces in our communities.”

Action on protecting parks has been sparked by significant council budget cuts to parks across the country.

A recent Heritage Lottery report warns that budget cuts mean some councils are reducing parks funding, with some seeking to ‘monetize’ them so that local people may have to pay to use them.