Breadcrumbs
Young people want a cleaner, greener Thames Gateway - 17 November 2005
In the film children explain the importance of local green spaces, Sarah Scott (aged 10) says: "The new park in East Tilbury is great, we even got to choose what went in there. It's a great place to hang out with your mates. There are lots of things to do there like cycling, walking and skateboarding."
Terry Robinson of the Countryside Agency says: "The Thames Gateway development, providing that environmental concerns are addressed from the outset, could become a world class model of sustainable development, providing a natural life support system for people across the gateway".
"The children featured in the film send out a clear message that any future plans must provide clean, safe green spaces that bring a real sense of value to the local community.
The Thames Gateway is the largest regeneration project in the United Kingdom, with its own planning guidance. Major transport infrastructure improvements and 120,000 new houses are planned.
"Accessible green space is the natural antidote to stressful modern living and the vital ingredient that will make the Thames Gateway an attractive and healthy place for people," says Environmental campaigner Chris Baines, President of the Thames Estuary Partnership.
Developers are recognising the potential of high quality outdoor spaces in the Gateway. Green spaces make long-term economic sense, improving the image of the area and in turn increasing property value. By providing spaces where people can relax, learn about the environment and stay healthy, the Thames Gateway can become a place that future generations will be proud to call home.
The Thames Gateway Forum will take place on 23/24 November 2005 at Excel in London: www.thamesgatewayforum.com. Copies of the film are available from the Countryside Agency press office.
Ends
The pupils and students were filmed as they visited Rainham Marshes, Langdon Hills Country Park, Swanscombe Heritage Park, the Eastern Quarry, Ingress Park and Jeskyns Farm.
For copies of the film, interviews or further information contact the Countryside Agency press office on:
Matthew Heard 01242 533476 or 07900 608 168, matthew.heard@countryside.gov.uk
Beth Rose 01242 533306 or 07900 608 052, beth.rose@countryside.gov.uk
Following publication of the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill in February, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England.
It will work for people, places and nature with responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
English Nature is the independent Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England.
The Rural Development Service is the largest deliverer of the England Rural Development Programme and a range of advisory and regulatory rural services.
With the administration of a multi-million pound grant budget for schemes which support land management, rural businesses and rural communities, the Rural Development Service is the single largest organisation working for the benefit of rural areas in England.
The Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the countryside – protecting natural landscapes; and encouraging access to, enjoyment of and sustainable management and use of the countryside.
