SUNDERLAND’S SIX AWARD WINNING PARKS are flying prestigious Green Flags for the fourth consecutive year.
This year is the twentieth anniversary of the Green Flag awards, organised by national environmental and conservation groups led by Keep Britain Tidy to recognise and celebrate the country’s outstanding parks and green spaces.
Judging is based on which parks demonstrate a commitment to continual improvement and development.
The six parks in Sunderland to achieve a Green Flag are Herrington Country Park, Hetton LyonsCountry Park, Mowbray, Barnes, Roker and Usworth.
Portfolio Holder for City Services, Councillor Michael Mordey said: “The national recognition of our parks which the Green Flag Awards provide are a great accolade for the city, and testament to the hard work of everyone involved in their maintenance and upkeep.
“We’re proud to continually provide first class green spaces for everyone to enjoy, and are determined to maintain these standards as best we can. Although this task is becoming harder and harder each year as the Council deals with the consequences of year on year cuts to our funding, because the Government will not change it’s ill-thought out through austerity agenda.
” The groups and friends of our parks as well as the public who enjoy the open spaces, all have a role to play. It’s not just the council staff who work year round to maintain these high standards.”
Chair of voluntary group the ‘Friends of Barnes Park’ Councillor Rebecca Atkinson added:“We’re delighted that the Green Flag will be flying again over Barnes Park and others across our city.
“Our ‘Friends Groups’ and other voluntary partners work so hard to help us to achieve these awards, and these flags belong everyone in the community.
“ They help show everyone that we have parks to be proud, places where people can go with their families to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.”
The Green Flag awards are judged against eight criteria:
– a welcoming park
– healthy, safe and secure
– clean and well maintained
– sustainability
– conservation and heritage
– community involvement
– marketing and promotion
– well managed
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 20thanniversary 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.”