MIDDLESBROUGH’S popular parks and green spaces have once again been given the Green Flag Award.
The award – handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy – recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.
The seven Middlesbrough spaces recognised in 2015 are Stewart Park, Albert Park, Hemlington Lake and Recreation Centre, Linthorpe Cemetery, Fairy Dell, Thorntree Park and Pallister Park.
A Green Flag Community Award has also been given once again to Stainton Quarry & Kell Gate Green, cared for by the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces.
They’re among 67 parks and green spaces across the North East proudly flying Green Flag Awards after being judged to be some of the best in the country.
In total, 1582 parks, cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens in the UK have met the high standard needed to receive the Green Flag Award or the Green Flag Community Award, in what is another record-breaking year for the Award scheme.
The Green Flag Awards are judged by an army of more than 700 green-space experts who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.
“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Our parks and open spaces are hugely important, both to local people and those who visit the town, and it’s great to know they stand comparison with the very best parks up and down the country.
“That’s why we work hard to maintain them in the best possible condition, and these latest Green Flag Awards are proof yet again that that work has paid off.
“It’s a well-deserved tribute to the commitment and dedication of the staff and volunteers who take great pride in ensuring our green spaces can be enjoyed by all those who visit them.”