Funding for England’s parks down £330m a year in real terms since 2010

Deep cuts by local authorities leaving green spaces in decline, with poorest areas losing out the most

• Parks at risk: If it was not for the volunteers, we would struggle'

Local authorities in England are spending almost 330m less a year in real terms on parks and open spaces than they were a decade ago, with the most deprived areas experiencing the deepest cuts, a Guardian analysis has found.

Years of deep budget cuts have left bandstands and playgrounds deteriorating, buildings crumbling, staff numbers decimated and parks' upkeep in the hands of volunteers, according to park workers, volunteers and visitors.