We call on the Leader of Birmingham City Council to keep his word and ensure that the whole of Perry Park is restored urgently for free public use by the surrounding community.

Even if you don't live here, you've probably seen Perry Park - it's home to the Alexander Stadium which was the host venue for athletics for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

It's a vital resource for communities in north Birmingham - essential to the physical and mental wellbeing of people in the UK's second city.

And yet the future of the park is at risk.

Over six months after the end of the Commonwealth Games, almost all of the park remains fenced off, unsuitable for public use.

Ground conditions are dangerous, and infrastructure such as a huge tarmac parking area and associated drainage pits dominate what was a level sports field.

Children's play equipment has not been replaced.

One of the few areas which remains accessible to the public is riven with ruts from the construction of a flood-retention bund, and its associated gravel swale has collapsed into the brook.

And, most worryingly of all, the Head of Sport for Birmingham City Council has stated that he aims to convert the northwest section of the park into permanent, formal sports facilities (including an outdoor beach volleyball pitch) removing access for the local community, in contravention of the Leader of the Council's pledge that "there will be no impact on the footprint of the park" following the Commonwealth Games.

The Council will point to its aspirations for a legacy from the games.  It will say it has reserved funds for enhancing the park (though without giving details of any plans nor timescales).  And it will refer to the inclusion of Perry Park in the Perry Barr 2040 Masterplan.

But 2040 is a long way off, the local community needs to see action now, in 2023, and absolute commitment that the Leader's promise to the community will be kept, that the whole of Perry Park will be returned for free, public use.

Please act now and demand that Perry Park is urgently restored for public use by the community!