South Park and West Park awarded the coveted Green Flag Award

Staff, Friends Groups and volunteers are celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for both South Park and West Park.

They are two of 2,250 areas in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The news that South Park and West Park met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

Green Flag award scheme manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the two parks achieved the high standards required for the Green Flag Award. Quality parks and green spaces make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, South Park and West Park are vital green space for communities in to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. They also provide important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Libby McCollom, cabinet member for services, said: “I am delighted that these two fantastic green spaces have retained their Green Flag status. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this success. I know how much residents value our parks and I am delighted that we can once again fly the Green Flag at these two venues.”