Facilities Brits want to see more of in their communities – like exhibitions and gardens

Other hopes and dreams for the nation’s communities in 2022 were revealed as having more mental health support groups, being able to afford improvements to places that matter, and for more entertainment facilities.

Similarly, when it comes to what needs improving currently, 16 percent want more social schemes and venues, while 18 percent want a “friendlier” neighbourhood.

The study was commissioned by The National Lottery to mark its 27th anniversary, and found that people last saw improvements in their neighbourhood an average of 17 months ago – with 46 percent claiming they aren’t made regularly enough.

But 41 percent have noticed enhancements over the past decade – including more community events, green spaces and sports clubs.

Half of those polled believe improvements to their community would result in a happier atmosphere.

Among the things currently valued in their community were cafes, parks and public transport.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and chair of the National Lottery Forum, said: “The 27 years we have been funding has been transforming communities, turning dreams into reality and making life better for millions of people.

“As we emerge from what has been a desperately challenging time, we want to inject hope and encourage communities to imagine what they could achieve with a helping hand.

“With £30million raised for good causes each week, we have grants available from £3,000 to £5million.

“By coming together as communities, and as a nation, we can build, dream and create to change our future for the better and for generations to come.”

The study also found almost half said the pandemic made people more interested in their community, and for 29 percent it made them think about how to make a difference.

And of those surveyed, via OnePoll, 39 percent said they take part in activities that make a positive impact in their local area.

A further 24 percent are personally involved in roles within their community, including being part of the neighbourhood watch, running a social media group and helping out sports and church events.

To celebrate the 636,000 projects The National Lottery have supported over the past 27 years, four word-based installations – Build, Dreams, Create, Change – are being unveiled across London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Antrim.

Famous faces Alexandra Burke, Sir Chris Hoy, Nadine Coyle and Liam Reardon will be revealing the artworks, which have each been created using 636 National Lottery balls by arts collective Greyworld and inspired by funded projects.

Alexandra Burke, who unveiled “Change” in London’s Trafalgar Square, said: “What I love about working in music and performing arts is its ability to connect people and to inspire creativity as we push boundaries together.

“The National Lottery really acts as the backbone to give so many venues, productions and artists around the UK the ability to stage the events and performances we love so much – 70 percent of these grants are for under £10,000 and go to small organisations with big ideas to make a difference in their community.

“Funding is available for communities in many different forms – there are a myriad of ways you can make change happen. If we can continue to support and protect our community, we are able to future-proof it for generations to come and make so many dreams a reality.”

TOP 40 THINGS PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN THEIR COMMUNITY:

  1. Independent shops
  2. Free car parking
  3. Green spaces
  4. Recycling bins
  5. Restaurants
  6. Parks
  7. Benches
  8. High street chain shops
  9. Public bins
  10. Public transport
  11. Walking/hiking trails
  12. Healthcare facilities
  13. Wellbeing drop-in centres/clubs e.g. for lonely people
  14. Community gardens
  15. Cafes
  16. Music events
  17. Safe road crossings
  18. Streetlights
  19. Defibrillators
  20. Cycle paths
  21. Libraries
  22. Theatres
  23. Cinemas
  24. Bee houses
  25. Museums
  26. Outdoor sports facilities e.g. tennis courts, football pitches
  27. Exhibitions
  28. Historic places
  29. Fetes
  30. Dog friendly beaches/parks
  31. Youth/social clubs
  32. Gardening clubs
  33. Walking clubs
  34. Wall murals
  35. Sports clubs for kids
  36. Charity events
  37. Sports clubs for adults
  38. Art installations
  39. Local landmarks
  40. After school clubs/educational clubs

source: express.co.uk