Column: Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council
One of the things you tell me matters most is the place we call home. We want clean, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, somewhere we can take pride in, whether we have lived here all our lives or are visiting for the first time.
That is why we are introducing a new team of Clean and Green Rangers, working alongside our new Housing Estate Officers to help keep our estates and public spaces looking their best. Their work will build on the efforts already taking place, tackling everything from restoring footpaths to cutting back overgrown vegetation and dealing with other environmental issues that make a real difference to everyday life.
They will work closely with our Environmental Health and Waste Management teams responding to issues such as fly-tipping and graffiti bringing a more joined-up approach to caring for our communities and creating places everyone can enjoy.
As we continue investing in our neighbourhoods, we are equally committed to protecting and enhancing our parks and green spaces. I was delighted Langold Country Park, The Canch in Worksop and Kings' Park in Retford have once again been recognised with Green Flag Awards. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in maintaining and developing these much-loved spaces.
Over the past year we have continued to invest in them including new walking routes at The Canch and Langold Country Park, a striking new sculpture at Kings' Park, and support for popular community events including the Extreme Wheels Roadshow and TaleGate Theatre's Panto in the Park. These improvements help ensure our parks remain vibrant places where people can relax, stay active and spend quality time with family and friends.
Families can also enjoy a fun day out in Worksop town centre on Saturday 8 August, when Bridge Street will host a Family Art Fun Day from 10am until 2pm. Visitors can take part in arts and crafts workshops with the Harley Foundation, enjoy face painting, watch a live graffiti art demonstration, experience dance performances and, between 10am and 1pm, meet Jessie and Woody from Toy Story.
I would like to thank the Discover Worksop partnership, including council members, East Midlands Chamber and local businesses, for organising this event, and the Worksop Charter Trustees for their generous support. Their commitment continues to make Worksop a better place to live, work and visit while celebrating the town's proud civic heritage.
By continuing to invest in our neighbourhoods, parks and community events, we are creating places people can be proud of - cleaner, greener and more welcoming communities where residents, businesses and visitors can all thrive.