Opinion
From the editor: We’re lucky in this city and survey suggest we know it too
Autumn trees at Eaton Park.Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
After last week's moan (my column on city centre rubbish is online for those who missed it), two stories in the past seven days have helped restore my pride in Norwich and its people to its normal high levels.
My love for the city's parks is well known in the offices of this newspaper and my repeated declaration of such a fact often brings out a wry and knowing smile in those who are probably fed-up with hearing about it.
In particular, my soft spot for Eaton Park means barely a weekend goes by when you won't find me there at some point, whether it's taking part in my own loves of football and running, or those of my son, the play area and the trains.
That Norwich has a fantastic selection of parks like this is something I've always been proud of and judging by the headlines this week we all have reason to feel the same.
That's because a national Heritage Lottery Fund report, the State of UK Public Parks, suggests other towns and cities are not so lucky.
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Elsewhere, it would seem, parks have faced budget cuts and neglect and the fear exists that is only going to get worse.
It's heartening Norwich City Council, which last week I berated in these column inches, has so far refused to trim its park budget as times have got tough.
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But all these facilities are no use, if they are ignored by the public and that brings me to the second bit of positive news.
Our own survey, of just under 1,000 people, suggested that people in Norwich and the surrounding area know only too well how lucky they are to have the attractions they do – and use them as often as they can.
Asked beforehand I would have assumed most of us are guilty of not always making the most of those attractions that are right in front of our noses, but this survey suggested otherwise.
Long may that continue because in these tough economic times, such support can make the difference for local businesses.
I know the survey results have got me thinking about the places in this city I have yet to visit and will now attempt to get out to.
• If you have any news, views or feedback then please do drop me a line at david.powles@archant.co.uk
