AN organisation that represents parks groups across the city has backed Bristol council's £90 million plan to sell off green spaces.

Bristol Parks Forum says the area green space plan is needed due to a lack of investment in the city's parks over the last 25 years.

The plan proposes selling off up to 62 plots of land across Bristol to raise around £63m towards the project that would see other recreational areas improved.

The city council has attracted a lot of criticism for the plan, from residents who say they don't want their green spaces lost to developers.

Some – such as Friends of Horfield Common – believe the basic principle of selling green spaces is wrong.

But the parks forum – set up in 2002, with a committee of six representatives of different parks groups and which meets four times a year – disagrees.

Vice-chairman Hugh Holden, a 61-year-old gardener from St Werburgh's, said: "The £87m obviously isn't going to come from council tax.

"We will support the strategy and we support the principle of reinvestment.

"Were there any other way of getting money into parks we would go for that.

"We have no grounds for believing, nor would we support, disposal based solely on economic value.

"Of the 62 spaces under the plans suggested for selling off, 14 have had local objections.

"If a quarter of it is gone, that still leaves £60m, which has got to be a good thing.

"If you look at the green spaces plans there are options for investment – it's up to the local groups what they want."

In a recent statement to the council, the forum said it had no views on individual proposals included in the plan, as that was up to local people to decide for their area.

Mr Holden said the group fully supported the right of residents to have their say on which land should be sold.

Consultation on the plan continues until October 29, with a decision due in December.

The last in a series of drop-in sessions for people to have their say is on Monday for the Filwood, Knowle and Windmill Hill area. It takes place between noon and 8pm at The Park Local Opportunity Centre in Daventry Road.

Executive member for targeted improvements, Councillor Gary Hopkins has urged people to take part.

He said: "It's really important for local people to get involved in the consultation process and let us know what they think.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has responded so far and reassure them that no decisions have been made, so nothing has been ruled in – and nothing has been out.

"Once we have collated all the responses, there will be a report to cabinet to determine the best way forward for the city.

"Local opinion and comment is vital and will help to inform and shape our decision making."