TOWN and parish councils across Pendle are taking on responsibility for parks as cuts continue to bite.
Pendle Council is forced to find around £3 million in cuts from its budget over the next three years.
Some parks had already been transferred, and now Alkincoats Park in Colne is being managed by Colne Town Council as part of the series of transfers to help sustain Pendle’s parks despite the financial challenges.
This follows the transfer of Victory Park, Letcliffe Park and Valley Gardens to Barnoldswick Town Council two years ago.
Pendle Council expects to complete the transfer of Barrowford Memorial Park and Pendle Heritage Centre to Barrowford Parish Council within the next few days.
Trawden Forest Parish Council has also now agreed to take on Ball Grove Park in the coming months.
Pendle Council leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: “Over the next three years Pendle Council needs to save around £3 million - and it’s a tough task.
“We will continue to work with other town and parish councils by asking them to take on the ownership of other parks and green spaces.
“I would like to congratulate town and parish councils who are helping us deal with the cuts,” he added.
“We will be holding discussions with Nelson Town Council about the possible transfer of Marsden, Walverden and Victoria parks in Nelson, and also with Brierfield Town Council about Heyhead Park, and Earby Town Council and Kelbrook and Sough Parish Council about Sough Park.”
Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s chief executive, added: “We’re still in a very challenging financial position so it’s important we continually identify ways we can save money and raise income."
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