• Wed. Dec 25th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

Taking a bow for 2016/17 are Stewart Park, Albert Park, Hemlington Lake, Fairy Dell, Linthorpe Cemetery, Pallister Park and Thorntree Park.

And once again there are Green Flag Community Awards for Stainton Quarry & Kell Gate Green, cared for by the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces.

The flags are now on display, placing the town’s popular open air venues among a record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces around the country to meet the judges’ approval this year.

The Green Flag Awards – celebrating their 20th year and handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy – are a guarantee of high standards, first class maintenance and excellent facilities.

They 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, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Awards.

“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.”

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Local people love and value their parks and open spaces, and they offer an oasis of calm and relaxation.

“That’s why maintaining them to the highest possible standards is one of our key priorities, and I’m delighted that has once again been recognised with the latest Green Flag Awards.

“I’m also enormously grateful to all our parks staff whose year-round dedication and commitment make such accolades possible.”

By admin