A GOVERNMENT announcement of £13 million for parks is not enough to reverse "chronic underfunding" critics have warned.

Councils will be handed money to repair playgrounds, create new parks and redevelop derelict land.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire, who made the announcement on Sunday, said the cash will provide "precious spaces for all of us to get together, to exercise and to play."

But critics say parks need £1 billion per year to be properly managed and maintained.

South Wales Argus:

Beechwood Park Gardens (Picture: Roger Fuller)

Research last year found £15 million was cut from green spaces in 2017 as around half of local authorities slashed funding.

Mr Brokenshire said: "This latest funding will support bold proposals to help renovate and restore existing parks and create new vibrant, safe green spaces for our communities."

The cash includes £9.7 million for maintenance of parks and to increase recreational space.

South Wales Argus:

Tredegar Park (Picture: Nicola Poole)

A further £2.75 million is earmarked for the Government's "pocket parks plus" scheme for communities to turn derelict urban land into parks.

Dave Morris, chairman of the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, said: "What's needed is around £1 billion per year to be reinvested to ensure that all the country's parks are properly managed and maintained.

"It's good that the Government is beginning to respond to the cries of protest calling on them to reverse the chronic underfunding of our parks."

The Local Government Association welcomed the "much-needed" investment after previously calling for more parks funding.

South Wales Argus:

Pontypool Park (Picture: Susan Eaton)

The National Trust and National Lottery Heritage Fund will also share £1.2 million as part of the new package.

Ros Kerslake, CEO of the Heritage Fund, said: "By investing this money now, more projects will be funded, more knowledge will be shared and more parks will be secured for the future."

National Trust director general, Hilary McGrady, said: "It is great to see the Government also recognising the importance of parks and open spaces, with a funding boost to help councils look after them in new ways."

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