Object

Representation ID: 7038

Received: 10/03/2021

Respondent: Rosanna Anderton

•Environment shape our lives/wellbeing. Pandemic has made us value outdoor spaces.
•Access to open spaces has become a lifeline, providing a welcomed escape from indoors. We have walked daily. People of all ages are now exercising.
•Access to open space really matters for our heath. Walking in spaces where there is no pollution is recognised as being beneficial for: reducing levels of depression, anxiety, helps fatigue, lowers levels of cardiovascular disease, assists in maintaining a healthier weight
•Public Health England review 2020: £2.1 billion/year could be saved in health costs if everyone in England had good access to open greenspace, due to increased physical activity in those spaces.
•Local authorities play a vital role in: providing new, good quality green space that is inclusive and equitable; improving, maintaining and protecting existing green space; increasing green infrastructure within public spaces and promoting healthy streets.
•Not enough research carried out to assess long term effects of bold decisions. Need to take health and wellbeing into consideration and keep local open greenspaces.