**NEWS RELEASE Future of open spaces preserved

NEWS RELEASE

Future of open spaces preserved

Two popular parks and a collection of village allotments are to be sold for a £1 each to local Parish Councils, safeguarding their future as open spaces.

At the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 19 November, members of Blaby District Council agreed to the transfer of Southey Close recreation ground and Jubilee Park to Enderby Parish Council. They also approved the sale of Holt Crescent allotments to Thurlaston Parish Council to retain them as allotments.

The deals agreed with both parishes will see the land kept as public open spaces in perpetuity. In the case of Southey Close, Blaby District Council had already pledged no development would take place. The transfer reinforces that commitment.

While Enderby Parish Council will take control of Southey Close recreation ground, due to its former use as landfill, discussions will take place around Blaby District Council's responsibility for any future monitoring and remediation work, if required.

Councillor Nigel Grundy, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "We have been working with both Enderby and Thurlaston Parish Councils for some time to arrange these transfers. The move ensures a secure future for these popular green areas.

"As well as ensuring they are safe from development the transfer allows the Parish Councils to follow local need, access funding opportunities unavailable to us and offer more in the way of community events and activities. We are delighted these green spaces will be safeguarded for generations to come."