FREE car parks, green spaces and recycling bins top the list of things adults want to improve their communities.

Thousands of Brits also want to see an increase in independent shops and exhibitions to make their neighborhoods friendlier.

A survey has revealed that wellness centres, libraries and bee houses are also one of the highest priorities for improving local areas. 

The National Lottery discovered that almost half of Brits think that improvements are not made to their neighbourhoods regularly enough. 

On average it takes 17 months to get any change implemented, with 41 per cent of people noticing the improvements – including more green spaces. 

The study of 2,000 people revealed that 16 per cent want more social schemes and venues and 18 per cent want a "friendlier" neighbourhood.

Half of those polled think the improvements would result in a happier atmosphere, and think that cafes and parks help the community. 

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and chair of the National Lottery Forum, said: “The 27 years we have been funding has been transforming communities, turning dreams into reality and making life better for millions of people.

“As we emerge from what has been a desperately challenging time, we want to inject hope and encourage communities to imagine what they could achieve with a helping hand.

“With £30million raised for good causes each week, we have grants available from £3,000 to £5million. 

"By coming together as communities, and as a nation, we can build, dream and create to change our future for the better and for generations to come.”

Almost half of those surveyed said the pandemic made people more interested in their community and for 29 per cent it made them think about how to make a difference.

A further 24 per cent are personally involved in roles within their community, including being part of the neighbourhood watch, running a social media group and helping out at sports and church events.

To celebrate the 636,000 projects The National Lottery have supported over the past 27 years, four word-based installations – Build, Dreams, Create, Change – are being unveiled across London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Antrim.

Famous faces Alexandra Burke, Sir Chris Hoy, Nadine Coyle and Liam Reardon will be revealing the artworks which have each been created using 636 National Lottery balls by arts collective Greyworld and inspired by funded projects.

TOP TEN IMPROVEMENTS

1.       Independent shops       

2.       Free car parking             

3.       Green spaces    

4.       Recycling bins   

5.       Restaurants      

6.       Parks    

7.       Benches

8.       High street chain shops

9.       Public bins        

10.     Public transport          

Source: Read Full Article