Ashfield District Council: Ashfield Flies the Flag Again!

Ashfield Flies the Flag Again!

DATE: 7th September 2007

Flags are flying at three of Ashfield’s parks which have been recognized as being among the best in the country.

Portland Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield; Brierley Forest Park, Huthwaite and the Lawn Pleasure Grounds, Sutton-in-Ashfield, were recently named as three of the best parks and green spaces in the East Midlands by Baroness Kay Andrew, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.

During the announcement, she said: “Parks are an oasis of calm and natural beauty and have a vital role to play in our modern lives as places where people come together to relax, exercise and play.”

"Green Flags are awarded to the country's best parks but everyone should be able to enjoy great quality parks and green spaces. Our ambition is that all communities should benefit from this renaissance and local people have the opportunity to take part in the transformation of their parks. "

The three awards received in Ashfield were from only 39 Green Flags awarded in the East Midlands. Winners are judged against very high standards applied by independent judges that require the parks to be welcoming, safe, well maintained and involve the local community. The judges’ comments are used to carry out further improvements each year.

The Council also submitted Kingsway Park in Kirkby for the first time and will use the judge’s comments to further improve the park with the intention of securing Green Flag status next year.

Andrew Smith, Ashfield District Council’s Head of Community and Economic Promotion said: ‘I am very pleased that the Council has been awarded three prestigious Green Flag awards once again. The Council has set a high standard for its recreational open spaces using the Green Flag initiative as a benchmark of quality. It is clear that good quality and improving local parks are much valued by local residents and these awards reflect the Council’s commitment to this issue. The Council has worked closely with community based ‘Friends’ groups in each of the parks and this local partnership continues to provide a good opportunity to involve local people and get a better understanding of what each community wants to see improve in its local park.’

Cllr. Harry Toseland, Chairman of Ashfield District Council, flies the Green Flag at Brierley Forest Park, joined by fellow Councillors, Park Rangers and members of the Friends of Brierley Forest group.