BLACK COUNTRY AS AN URBAN PARK

That this House congratulates the Black Country Consortium in securing one of the four places on the final shortlist for The Black Country as an Urban Park project as part of the Big Lottery Fund Living Landmarks Programme; acknowledges and recognises that this ambitious project will regenerate the Black Country over the next 30 years, will enrich the lives of those that live, work and play in the region, will open more green space and bolster the local economy and that, if successful, £50 million will transform the lives of one million people by investing money into Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve, local canal networks, creating Green Bridge Park, one of the largest urban spaces in the region, and will open up 3,700 acres of green space; further notes that, in addition this will involve the local community, benefiting 300,000 children, 3,000 local groups, 60,000 volunteer opportunities and 500 local projects; appreciates the work put into the application; and wishes the Black Country as an Urban Park every success.