Date: 17/07/2007
Three High Peak parks were today awarded the coveted Green Flag Award, the national standard for parks and green spaces.
Parks in Glossop were particularly successful with Howard Park retaining its Green Flag and a first time Green Flag being awarded to Manor Park. Pavilion Gardens in Buxton was once again given the prestigious Green Heritage accolade - the highest standard there is and the only park to achieve this in the whole of the East Midlands.
The award is judged over a variety of criteria which includes:
· Cleanliness and maintenance;
· Community involvement;
· Overall management;
· Sustainability;
· Safety and security;
· Marketing;
· Conservation of heritage and nature; and
· How welcoming the park is.
For parks that have already been awarded a Green Flag, in order to retain this award, each park must demonstrate continuous improvement. Also, thirty percent of the score is awarded to the management plan, which must be in place for every park.
Councillor John Haken, Executive Member for the Environment said: "This Borough is leading the way in its management of parks and green spaces and holds 3 out of the 5 awards made within the County.
"The Green Flag has been used as a catalyst for improvements to the parks, which has included refurbishment programmes such as the £1.2million Liveability programme within Manor Park in Glossop.
He went on to say: "This Green Flag success recognises the commitment made by the Council, particularly the park's staff, who continue to work in partnership with the network of Friends Groups. Indeed it would not be possible to gain these awards without the significant contributions made by these committed, hands on volunteers. High Peak Borough Council is committed to improving its parks and play areas and will continue with further planned refurbishments including Memorial Park in Whaley Bridge."