'Pocket parks' to appear at seven Derby locations this summer

London-style Parklets are coming to Derby's neighbourhoods

"Pocket parks" are set to pop up outdoors across Derby's suburbs this summer.

Seven "parklets" are to be installed to encourage people to spend time out in their communities.

Derby City Council hopes the scheme will increase footfall, boost nature and encourage people to get out and about walking and cycling.

The steel, composite decking and wood structures, feature seating, planting and cycle parking.

The structures, already a feature in neighbourhoods across London, will be individually designed for each location.

'Spaces for people'

They will be placed in London Road in Alvaston, Nottingham Road in Chaddesden, Burton Road/Harrington Road in Littleover, Uttoxeter Road and Etwall Road in Mickleover, Chapel Street in Spondon, and at the University of Derby's Britannia Mill site.

Derby City councillor Carmel Swan said: "Parklets are an innovative yet simple way of enhancing community hubs and creating spaces for people to meet.

"We've invested a lot into making our city centre as accessible and attractive as possible for cyclists and pedestrians, and now it's time for us to focus our attention on communities outside the city centre.

"We've worked hard to select locations where the parklets can bring a real benefit to local communities."

Each parklet will be in situ for a minimum of five years.