Four Peterborough parks receive prestigious Green Flag Award

Coun Gavin Esey, Coun John Peach, Yvonne Lowndes, chairman of the Friends of Central Park with Ian lilley, Steve Woodruff and Arthur Fisher (park rangers) with their new Green Flag EMN-150816-170026009

Central Park, Itter Park, Manor Farm Park and Victoria Gardens are among a record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces that will receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

For the 20th year, the award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

The Green Flag status, run by Keep Britain Tidy UK on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government, awards quality, green space accessible to the public.

Central Park, supported by the Friends of Central Park, boasts play areas, a paddling pool and sporting facilities and leads the way having now received Green Flag status for 14 consecutive years.

Itter Park, also supported by a ‘Friends of’ group, has received the award for the 10 time for offering tennis, an outdoor gym, a putting green, a wildlife pond, a sensory garden and seasonal floral bedding.

Manor Farm Park, also known as Eye Open Space, received the award for the fourth time, while Victoria Gardens achieved the status for the third time.

Councillor Gavin Elsey, cabinet member for waste and street scene at Peterborough City Council said; “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Green Flag Award for four of our green open spaces in Peterborough.

“Amey, on the council’s behalf, works hard to maintain these areas to the best standards and I am really proud that, despite the difficult financial challenges we face, we continue to commit to creating a greener Peterborough.”

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, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”