THREE popular Kidderminster parks are now owned by Kidderminster Town Council.

Baxter Gardens, Broadwaters Park and St George’s Park have been handed over to them by Wyre Forest District Council.

The move is part of the district council’s localism initiative.

It aims to support town and parish councils, as well as other organisations, to take ownership of assets or to run services, giving them a more significant role in the way local services are delivered.

 The district council will be contributing towards the upkeep of the parks until 2025.

Councillor Helen Dyke, leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: “We are delighted Kidderminster Town Council has taken ownership of these parks. They have already taken on several assets including Kidderminster Town Hall and the toilets in Market Street.

"We know residents value the parks and we feel that transferring them to the town council is the best way to secure their future. The pressures on local authority funding are well documented so I’d like to thank the parish and town councils who are on board with our localism strategy.”

Kidderminster Town Council leader, Councillor David Ross said: “It is our ambition to make sure that services and amenities important to residents of Kidderminster are secured and the transfer of these three parks is part of that process. We will be looking to enhance these parks over a period of time.

"We want to make sure they are enjoyable, safe and something the town can continue to be proud of.

"We look forward to building on the District Council’s work with the volunteer park groups in shaping the future of these popular parks.”