A Friends group is being planned to help guide improvements at Whitfield's recreation ground and its green spaces. 

High Peak Borough Council is hosting a public meeting on Friday 8 July at 7pm at Pure Vibes on Ebenezer Street for anyone who wants to be involved in a Friends group to help develop these spaces. 

Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, Damien Greenhalgh, said many parks already benefit from having a Friends group to help the council take care of them and ensure amenities and facilities the local community wants to see are provided. 

He said: “We particularly want to see all of those benefits here in Whitfield – we know there are plenty of people who care about their Rec and green spaces so we’re inviting you to come along next week and find out more about what being a Friend is all about."

Cllr Greenhalgh said spending time outdoors has proven benefits to health which is why park improvements are being prioritised and a development fund has been created and a Parks Strategy launched. 

“Local involvement in developing and taking care of these places is at the heart of what we want to achieve," he commented.

“Our Friends groups are the best way we know of making sure we’re listening to our communities, so we hope to see plenty of you at the meeting!” 

Whitfield councillor Graham Oakley will chair the meeting, supported by Councillor Rob Baker, who will talk about how Tintwistle residents set up the Friends of Conduit Street and the great things that the group has achieved since. 

Cllr Greenhalgh, Caz Whittle from the Council’s Leisure and Recreation team, and Helen Thornhill from Move More Glossop will encourage the discussion around what Whitfield residents want for their park. 

Among the topics up for discussion are:  

• How to make the Rec more family friendly – including the potential for social events and activities for young people 
• Ideas for encouraging people to move more 
• Planting trees and flowers 
• Identifying other patches of publicly owned land that could be enhanced 
• Support to source grant funding 

People can find out more about the borough council's ambitions for its parks and public spaces at www.highpeak.gov.uk/Parks-Strategy  

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