Wakefield leader Coun Denise Jeffery says council is aiming to rebuild a resilient, inclusive city and towns

We’ve all had to stay at home more, and with many of us having to cancel or postpone holiday plans, our district’s green spaces have become essential places for exercise and relaxation.

Our council recognises how much our parks matter to everyone and this is why, despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are continuing to invest in parks and sports, to support everyone as much as we can at this time.

I’d like to share with you a few example of our latest investments – such as £500,000 to support the restoration of Wakefield Park, which includes Thornes Park, Holmfield estates and Clarence Park.

With other capital funds already secured for the parks, this represents a total of £1million investment in this Victorian gem.

I also recognise how important it is for people to stay fit and well, physically and mentally, and we are investing £1m of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money to improve leisure and sporting opportunities in Stanley and the surrounding areas.

I’m also very pleased that, following the fire at Thornes Athletics Stadium, we are carrying out repairs to the current building. We are also looking forward to the longer term as we consider the potential for a new, modern building on site in the future.

We are also investing in play areas across our district, with works completed on seven projects so far this year, and more in the pipeline, with improvements such as new equipment, safety surfaces and new fencing.

These are just a few examples of how we are moving forward with projects and plans, despite the challenges of Covid-19.

Our Recovery Board continues to plan ahead, to support communities and rebuild the district’s economy by identifying local interventions, attracting funding, and creating positive longer term opportunities.

Our aim is to rebuild a resilient, inclusive city and towns as well as addressing skills, infrastructure and transport challenges.

At the same time we cannot afford to be complacent about Covid-19.

Earlier this month our district was taken off the government’s list as ‘an area of concern’, after a fall in the number of Covid-19 cases.

I fully appreciate and thank everyone for all the efforts you have made to keep yourselves, your families and others safe.

But, for all the good work that’s been done so far I cannot stress enough, that we must all redouble our efforts because it is very clear that this virus has not gone away.

Unfortunately, we are now once again beginning to see a steady rise in the number of cases in our district. Our neighbours in Leeds, Calderdale, Bradford and Kirklees are seeing significant rises with local restrictions in place in some parts.

If we seize the opportunity now to try and limit the spread of infection for the sake of everyone in our district, we may be able to avoid more stringent measures being put in place.

So I would like to remind everyone to follow the government’s advice and to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Stay safe everyone.