Sandwell parks scoop Green Flag awards
Parks and green spaces across Sandwell have been recognised as being among the best in the country after being awarded Green Flag status.
The flag will be flying at 11 sites across the borough after judges were impressed with what they saw.
Green Flags are awarded to some of the best parks around, and have to meet top standards for appearance and upkeep in order to receive the title.
Barnford Park, Oldbury, Brunswick Park, Wednesbury, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich, and both Victoria Parks in Tipton and Smethwick, were awarded the prestigious status.
Haden Hill Park, in Cradley Heath, was given an extra accolade as it received a Green Heritage award alongside Green Flag status.
Other sites to get the flag were Sandwell Valley Country Park, Sandwell Valley Crematorium, Warley Woods, Dingley Road Allotments, in Wednesbury, and Tipton Cemetery.
Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said: “This is fantastic news – a big well done to all the staff, volunteers, friends’ groups, community organisations and allotment committees. They have all helped Sandwell win these prestigious awards. We also thank everyone who uses our parks and green spaces.
“Despite the pressures on council budgets, we’re committed to investing in our parks, cemeteries and crematoriums and improving them for everyone.”
Leisure boss Councillor Richard Marshall said: “Our council staff and waste partner Serco work incredibly hard to keep our green spaces clean and tidy, working closely with volunteers and community groups. It’s brilliant that Haden Hill is a Green Heritage Site winner too.
“We’re very proud of our 11 Green Flags in Sandwell."
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.
“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”
