County celebrates 10 Green Flags

Published July 28, 2010.

Parks and open spaces in County Durham have been given the Green Flag for excellence.

A total of 10 green spaces within the county have received or retained the national accolade this year.

The awards recognise high standards of management and upkeep as well as the level of involvement local people in the use and development of a site.

Hardwick Park, Sedgefield; Witton Dene nature reserve, Witton Gilbert; and Bowlees Picnic Area, Teesdale; have all gained a Green Flag this year.

They are joined by Waskerley Way Railway Path, Moorside Cemetery and Castleside Cemetery, all in Consett.

Ropery Lane Cemetery and Riverside Park, both in Chester-le-Street; Blackhill and Consett Park and Annfield Plain Park, meanwhile, have all retained the award from last year.

The Green Flag scheme is the national standard for parks and open spaces in Britain.

To achieve the award, a site should contribute to the local area and provide facilities that suit the needs of local residents.

The community should view the site as a true asset and should be actively involved in its management and development.

The Friends of Witton Dene work to enhance the natural woodland area of Witton Gilbert by providing footpaths, bridges, steps and wetland scrapes.

Denis Daggett, chairman of the group, said: “The dene requires a great deal of commitment by friends and volunteers to ensure it is well maintained.

“The Green Flag status is particularly welcome, not just as recognition of all the hard work we have put in, but also because it is something which will inevitably provide a boost for the community, who can take pride in the fact they have such an asset on their doorstep.”

Alan Bowman, who has been head gardener at Riverside Park, for 40 years, said: “We are very pleased to have kept our Green Flag for another year.

 “We always try our best to make sure the flowerbeds, lawns and bowling greens look good, and it’s particularly lovely to get compliments from people using the park when you are out working.”

Cllr Brian Stephens Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Local Partnerships, said: “Achieving a Green Flag not only reflects our commitment to maintaining the various sites, but also the involvement of the local community in their development.

“Volunteers, ‘friends’ groups and our partner organisations have played an important role in our success in achieving a 10 Green Flags this year.

“We are particularly pleased that flags have been awarded not to just traditional parks, but also to a picnic area, railway path and a number of cemeteries, demonstrating the real diversity of open spaces in our county.”

Ends.