Former councillor critical of cuts to Parklife funding

A FORMER councillor has hit out at a city council decision to cut funds for a popular community events scheme.

The Parklife events are free summer activity days for communities.

The council has decided to stop funding these directly, but says they could be paid for through area committees, which have a pot of money to spend in specific geographical areas.

But Mick Newton, who was an independent for the Basford ward until losing his seat in the local elections last week, said this would make them harder to run.

He said the management of the events had previously been contracted out to companies which could cut their costs by booking venues and activities in blocks.

"But they would be more expensive for individual wards to run – and in any case, his previous ward would not have enough managerial staff to organise the event.

He said: "It's a very cynical cut."

He also claimed the council had not directly told local communities or councillors the money was going.

He said: "They have hidden the decision from the public."

In 2010, four Parklife events were held, in Old Basford, Clifton, Aspley and Forest Fields.

Attractions included climbing walls, bouncy castles, obstacle courses, face painting, circus skills, puppet shows and dancing activities.

Old Basford's Vernon Park event, in Mr Newton's former ward, attracted over 4,500 people.

Mr Newton said senior council officers alerted him to the fact the events – which he said cost around �5,000 each to put on – were no longer being funded by the council.

The council is expecting to see cuts in Government funding of between 25 and 40 per cent over three years.

Councillor David Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customers, said the cuts were being made as part of the budget and said the events could still be run.

He said: ""It used to be funded by the parks department and that has been cut, but it was then decided that it will be funded by the area team if the area wants it.

"The parks department that helped organise it are quite happy to manage the park side of things.

"What Mick Newton needs to do is talk to councillors on the area committee, because if they wanted they could run it and the department will help them."

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