UNUSED open spaces across the borough could be used to address shortfalls in allotment, burial and grazing land - Dudley Council officers have stated in a new report looking at the future of Dudley's parks.

The proposals form part of a major new plan to shape the way parks and green spaces are managed over the next decade which was given approval by the council's cabinet last Wednesday (September 16).

A report to the committee highlights how the borough's major parks and popular open spaces have been categorised into 28 'community parks' and states that undesignated pieces of land could be used to help meet demand for allotments, burial ground and grazing.

But such open spaces would only be given over for alternative uses if residents wish it - Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley's cabinet member for environmental services, stressed.

She added: "It'll be up to the community what happens to their area; if it's well used I doubt if it will ever be changed into allotments."

The 'green spaces asset management plan' also aims to give voluntary and community groups a greater say in how the borough's green spaces are managed and maintained in the future as Friends of parks groups are able to access to more funding opportunities than the council so authority bosses want them to be instrumental in deciding how future funding is invested and how parks are looked after.

Cllr Bills said: “These plans are about ensuring we get the best out of our parks and open spaces and build on their popularity as much as possible as funding from central government continues to reduce.

“By increasing the community involvement in the running of parks, we can ensure their future, bring in more people and make our green spaces even more popular. We already have a vast network of volunteers and we need to make sure we work with their expertise.”

There are currently 25 active friends groups caring for parks and open spaces across the borough and the council hopes by helping them to increase volunteers it can also boost security and reduce anti-social behaviour in these areas.

A cabinet report on the new plan shows council bosses also hope to look at ways of linking parks, nature reserves and other open green spaces with healthy corridors to encourage people to walk, cycle or run safely between locations.