Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats demand tough safeguards for green spaces in the Borough

10.48.32pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Dec 2006

Heron alongside the Regent's Canal Towpath, Bow

Liberal Democrats in Tower Hamlets have called for the green open spaces of the Borough to be given greater protection in the Borough's new Local Development Framework (LDF).

Lib Dem Councillor Louise Alexander stated: "There is no recognition in this policy of the difference between green space and hard concrete space. Hard concrete is favoured by developers, but green space is preferred by residents and offers environmental protection e.g. from flooding. The protection of green space needs to be strengthened in this policy. This is especially important in large developments on the City Fringe, such as the Bishopsgate Goodsyard which is at risk of having concrete hard cover and no parkland."

Leader of the Lib Dem Council group, Cllr Stephanie Eaton, commented: "We are calling for the Local Development Framework to put in place robust measures to protect and maintain our green open spaces. Local residents value their allotments, parks and gardens as places where families can go to kick a football, learn to ride a bike and to relieve the stress of city life. Our parks and gardens also provide a habitat for wildlife and offer protection from environmental damage. The predominantly urban environment of Tower Hamlets can only succeed as a place for people to live and work if this policy recognises the special value of green open space and is vigorous in its defence of the Borough's parks, gardens and allotments."