It's not too late to save some of the 10s of playing fields across Wales that are under threat. That was the plea from Plaid Cymru AM and playing fields campaigner Dai Lloyd and Plaid Cymru Deputy President Jill Evans MEP on European Day of Parks. They want the people of Wales to fight to save their local playing field by taking part the Wales wide consultation on the subject. The AM highlighted 19 playing fields that are under threat of development across Wales and called on any interested parties to submit a response to the consultation on his proposal for new legislation to protect playing fields from development.

Dai Lloyd, the Plaid AM for South Wales West, is trying to introduce a measure which would place a duty on local authorities to consult people in local communities before selling any playing fields for development.

Dai Lloyd commented:

“As my proposal for new legislation to protect playing fields has progressed through the necessary procedures I have visited many playing fields currently under threat. I have been overwhelmed by the passion and determination shown by the people and communities fighting to save their local playing fields.

“Plaid recognises that playing fields are a valuable community resource. In an age when we are being encouraged to do more sport and physical exercise, playing fields offer a free and easy access to physical activity. Furthermore they give children somewhere to get together and kick a ball around, something that could cause a nuisance if done elsewhere.

“My proposal has now reached the stage of being open for public consultation. It is vital that anyone with an interest in this issue takes part in the consultation to ensure that their voices are heard.”

European Day of Parks is held on an annual basis with the intention of raising the profile of protected open areas. While public attention usually concentrates on our larger national parks, Plaid has emphasised the importance of smaller, more local leisure areas.

Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament. She said:

"While national parks are of great importance, we should never ignore the huge effect that local green play areas can have on people's lives. These areas are key to allowing our children to get regular exercise and a variety of learning experiences. As a nation, we have to fight to keep these playing fields which are becoming more and more rare.

"Across Europe, people are celebrating their parkland areas - large and small. One of the greatest threats to these areas is from development and often, we realise how valuable they are only once they're gone. I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation that is being held regarding Dai Lloyd's measure as it's something that we have to act upon now before it's too late."

For further information on the consultation and on how to submit a response, interested parties should contact Dai Lloyd’s office on 01792 646430 or email him at dai.lloyd@wales.gov.uk

Short clip (mp3) of Jill speaking about Parks Day.

Diwedd/Ends

Notes to Editors

According to Europarc, the European Day of Parks was launched by the EUROPARC Federation with the aim of raising the profile of Europe's protected areas and generating public support for their aims and work. It was first held in 1999 and a broad variety of events in and about protected areas highlighting the need to protect these have been organised. Events have been celebrated across Europe on an annual basis on and around 24 May, a date that has been chosen to commemorate the creation of Europe's first nine national parks in Sweden on 24 May 1909.