'Are there no funds for Hoo Wetlands Reserve, and Cockham Community Parkland ?' - ask Medway Liberal Democrats

Medway Liberal Democrats have learned that the Council's Regeneration, Culture and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, held on 14th December Quarter 2 2023/24, stated funding for Cockham Community Parkland, and Hoo Wetlands Reserve are on hold, because of the withdrawal of the Hoo infrastructure fund (HIF).

The minutes stated that 'Delivery of Strategic Environmental Management (SEMS) as part of the HIF, Cockham Community Parkland is on hold due to withdrawal of housing infrastructure funding. Hoo Wetlands Reserve is on hold due to withdrawal of HIF funding. Please see link for details: https://democracy.medway.gov.uk/mgconvert2pdf.aspx?id=71507
 

Alan Wells, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats said, "There is a ‘yawning gap’ between rhetoric on and reality of underfunding. We know there is huge support for the park and the reserve. I am concerned about the impact these funding cuts will have, not just on the park but on all services the Council provides.

The effects of the funding cut will impact on the management of these important local assets, they need to be properly valued by the Council and supported financially to make sure they are able to deliver important environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits to local communities on the Peninsula. To do so, the park and reserve need to be able to access a fair share of resources if they are to deliver their purposes.

Both areas are environmental assets playing a valuable role locally on the Peninsula and have an important role in improving people’s health and wellbeing. Other funding initiatives could be explored by the Council, whether raising revenue through private means, like the Christmas tree lights for Rochester High Street or access more flexible funding opportunities from Central Government to finish off these projects. The Council could also seek input from local businesses, services, and community groups to develop and finish their plans for Parkland and Reserve. "

ENDS