Parks win Green Flag Awards (From Watford Observer)

Parks win Green Flag Awards

6:34pm Wednesday 28th July 2010 in

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Green flags were raised across south-west Hertfordshire today as eight parks and open spaces were named among the best in the country.

The Green Flag Awards, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, GreenSpace and BTCV, are presented to 1,200 places that meet a strict criteria, including good maintenance, being clean, safe and secure, and a welcoming place.

For the second year in a row, Watford Borough Council won three awards for Cassiobury Park, Woodside Playing Fields and Cheslyn House and Gardens.

This is the fourth consecutive award for Cassiobury Park, while Woodside and Cheslyn House won for the second straight year.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “I am delighted that once again the hard work we have put into our parks and open spaces has been recognised. When you consider that we have retained all our three green flags for a second year running, when only around 50 per cent of parks successfully renew their applications, you can understand why we are proud.”

Dave Cobb, Watford Borough Council’s Manager responsible for parks and open spaces said: “I would like to thank all the parks team who have worked so hard over the past couple of years creating the management plans for the parks and implementing them successfully.”

In Bushey, King George Recreation Ground won a Green Flag for the 12th year, while Fishers Field Nature Reserve received a Green Pennant Award – for spaces managed by voluntary and community groups – for the second year in succession.

Hertsmere Borough Councillor Jean Heywood, environment portfolio older with responsibility for parks, said the council was “absolutely thrilled”.

"The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our parks officers, ground maintenance team at John O'Conner and friends groups who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the parks are clean, safe and welcoming,” she said.

Three awards were also presented to parks in Three Rivers.

Leavesden Country Park won for the first time while Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Chorleywood House Estate both won for the second year running.

Kay FitzGerald, biodiversity projects officer for Three Rivers District Council, said: “It is a real achievement for Three Rivers District Council, and all of those involved, to receive three of the 1,200 Green Flags awarded in the UK this year.”

Chipperfield Common, managed by Dacorum Borough Council, also won a Green Flag, its third consecutive award.

It is the largest woodland in the borough, measuring 47.5 hectares.

Councillor Herbert Chapman, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: "Our green spaces are important to us, and we're committed to making sure they're safe, attractive and well-maintained. These awards recognise the work and commitment that everyone has put in to looking after these precious spaces."