GREEN FLAG FLIES AGAIN FOR BEDFORD BOROUGH PARKS

3 Aug 2011

The parks and green spaces of Bedford Borough have again been recognised as ranking among the best in the country by Keep Britain Tidy.

The national environmental charity has announced that Addison Howard Park,BedfordPark,PrioryCountryParkandHarrold-OdellCountryParkhave all retained their Green Flag status, the national benchmark standard for parks and green spaces. Hill Rise Nature Reserve inBedfordhas also achieved Community Green Flag status, which is awarded to high quality community-run green spaces.

PrioryCountryPark, in particular can rejoice, after winning this accolade for the 10th year running, a fitting way to celebrate 25 years since the Park's official opening in 1986.

To celebrate the Borough's Green Flag achievements, flag raising ceremonies involving park users, volunteers and council staff will be taking place at each of the 'Green Flag' parks this week.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said; "I am thrilled that the borough's parks have retained their Green Flag status once again. This is testament to the passion and hard work of everyone involved in maintaining our parks and green spaces to such high standards, and I want to thank all the volunteers and the Council officers who contribute to this effort.

"We value our parks and open spaces highly and want residents to continue to use, enjoy and appreciate them. Clean, attractive parks and green spaces are essential to our drive to makeBedfordan even better place to live, work and visit.

"I urge residents and visitors alike to spend some time exploring our high quality parks and green spaces to see for themselves; and for those who are interested, why not find out more about getting involved as a volunteer with our park rangers, gardeners, litter pickers and other grounds staff."

For further details on Bedford Borugh's parks and green space attractions, events and volunteer opportunities, please visit:

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces.aspx

There is a set of eight criteria that parks must meet to be awarded the Green Flag. These include:

Whether it is welcoming;
Healthy, safe and secure;
Clean and well maintained;
Sustainable,
Level of conservation and heritage;
Community involvement;
Marketing;
Management.