Parks fly the flag for safety and standards

Green flags are now flying high at three of Cannock Chase Council's green spaces after special ceremonies were held at each space to mark the achievement.

The Council's Parks and Open Spaces manager Tom Walsh was joined by local ward members and community groups for the flag-raising ceremonies at Cannock Park, Castle Ring in Cannock Wood and Ravenhill Park in Brereton on Wednesday. All three green spaces won the prestigious national Green Flag award in July following visits by judges.

The parks were judged to be welcoming, safe, well maintained, environmentally sustainable and with strong involvement from the local community.

Mr Walsh and council vice-chairman Councillor Darrell Mawle received the awards from TV presenter Michaela Strachan at a special Green Flag awards ceremony in Bournemouth on July 22.

The award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. The scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country and is one of the Government's key mechanisms for measuring high standards.

Each green space was judged against criteria including conservation and heritage, cleanliness and community involvement.

Two Green Flag judges visited Cannock Park, Ravenhill Park and Castle Ring in May and June to carry out inspections. The council also submitted detailed 10-year management plans which will guide the future development of the sites.

"Parks and green spaces play a crucial role in our communities across the district and the council is committed to their continued improvement," said Mr Walsh.

"We are delighted to have been so successful and the flag-raising ceremonies were a celebration of all our hard work."

Mr Walsh also thanked the Friends of Cannock Park, Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council, Brereton Town Football Club and the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural (AONB) Beauty team.