Park trustees thrilled with flag award
Trustees behind an independently-run Sandwell park have spoken of their joy after it won a coveted Green Flag.
Warley Woods in Smethwick is the first park not run by a local authority to ever be awarded the accolade. Judges said the park was "a model example for which they should be proud".
Viv Cole, from Warley Woods Community Trust, collected the award from television presenter Michaela Strachan at the ceremony in Bournemouth last week.
She said: "All the trustees, staff, volunteers and members are thrilled that the park has been recognised in this way.
"Since taking over the park from Birmingham City Council the trust has been focused on making it not just a good park, but a fantastic park for everyone to enjoy."
It was one of four Green Flags awarded in Sandwell.
Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath, has retained its Green Flag for the fourth year, as did Tipton's Victoria Park, which was first given a Green Flag in 2007.
Sandwell Valley in West Bromwich has been given a Green Flag for the first time this year. Following decades of neglect the park has been returned to its former glory, courtesy of Warley Woods Community Trust, which has invested £1 million of Heritage Lottery cash into transforming the site since 1991. Restoration work has just been completed to its 102-year-old drinking fountain as part of a £74,000 upgrade. Warley Woods has been a haven for Smethwick residents for more than 100 years.
