DCLG report says green spaces can revive high-street fortunes

Parks, gardens and trees hold the key to overturning retail wreckage on our high streets, says a Government report prompted by the high-profile shopping siren Mary Portas. The report, published by the communities department, formed part of its Portas programme of support for high streets, said DCLG landscape strategy and policy officer Julie Tucker. It is aimed at professionals charged with improving streets and town centres. Re-imagining urban spaces to help revitalise our high streets insisted small design changes could make big differences to the way a spaces were approached and used. The quality of the walking environment was a huge factor in people s shopping choices. "The vital role trees, parks, gardens, waterways and other green spaces can play in promoting sustainable places is often overlooked," said the report. "These patchworks of green woven through our towns provide numerous benefits, creating places people want to live, visit and invest in." For further details see the 17 August issue of Horticulture Week

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