Planning for open spaces in new housing estates must be part of government regeneration policy, senior MPs have warned.

In its report published on Tuesday, the Commons urban affairs sub-committee argued that councils must be given greater responsibilities and powers to ensure that open spaces are accessible to local people.

These would include the setting of fines for such activities as littering and fly posting, with collection rates raised to at least 90 per cent.

Ministers are criticised for a lack of evaluation of the responses to a consultation on the issue, which closed in February of this year, but are called upon to produce a simple guide to assist local authorities in open spaces management.

"We welcome the government's commitment to improving public spaces," said Chris Mole, Labour MP for Ipswich and chair of the inquiry.

"They should be at the heart of local communities, but some are suffering from neglect and a lack of investment."

"This new commitment needs to be backed up by legislation which gives councils a clear remit to ensure that the spaces in their area are well designed, pedestrian friendly and kept tidy," he added.

"There should be greater investment in design and maintenance, and also education programmes to encourage responsible behaviour.

"All public services are important but often the public spaces outside peoples' front doors, in their high streets and parks create the first impression of an area.

"It is a popular cry that civic pride has become a thing of the past."