We are calling on the council to improve the way Peckham Rye park and the other smaller parks in the area are kept and managed.

Council officers have been discussing with the friends of Peckham Rye Park (and the other three big parks) and parks department staff how best to manage parks in future.

Peckham Rye park is one of this area’s greatest assets and we must make sure it benefits in any changes. We agree with the Friends of Peckham Rye Park that there should be a permanent on the spot presence by park keepers.

Ideally we’d like to see more staff in the parks and fewer behind desks. People need a friendly face to go to report problems, organise events and assist with questions. With the new Harris boy’s school opening permanently later this year, now more than ever, the park will need to have effective management.

The investment in and improvement in Peckham Rye Park over the last 8 years has been dramatic and the Liberal Democrats are determined to make it even better still.

Hopefully by the summer more detailed proposals will have been developed, but it is vital that the friends of the park, users and local residents are involved too. So we’re pleased that parks officers are now taking time to look at all the options and working with staff, friends and residents to get it right.