On BBC Breakfast this morning - some councils are planning to charge people who use public parks as their work place e.g. fitness instructors, who charge people to use their services but don't pay anything for using the public parks as their workplace.
One company, a military fitness thing, does already voluntarily pay for using the public park - and have expressed that the charges will prevent people taking advantage of a free workplace as they would have to have licenses to practice and therefore have the proper training for doing whatever they are doing rather than it being someone randomly deciding to start doing fitness in their local park.
Others say public parks should remain free. But if people are making money from public space, should some of it not go back into the public park?
What are your views? Should businesses be able to use parks for free as their workplace?
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
I think it's perfectly reasonable to charge a fee under certain circumstances. The trouble is, it's bound to get bogged down in red tape, and end up costing more to administrate than the amount collected.
Probably best if it's left as a voluntary contribution to park upkeep, and hope peoples' consciences get the better of them.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Hi KatTai
There was a bit about this yesterday in the Mail newspaper. The problem with this is where do you draw the line. Does this mean that childminders or play groups should stop taking young children out due to a charge. Getting as many people out in the fresh air should be the goal not councils looking for other ways to get money. If we teach the children from a young age just how good nature is, it will stay with them forever.
I'm sure most of us have grown up learning so much from our local parks.
Life is a little more than just making money.....
Robert