County Durham parks raising the Green Flag

Eight parks and green spaces, which we maintain, have received Green Flag accreditation from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The scheme, recognising parks, cemeteries, countryside sites and crematoria, continues to provide the benchmark against which parks and green spaces are measured. The awards reflect good quality, excellent facilities, and high standards of maintenance.

Cllr James Rowlandson, our Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: "We're delighted that our parks and green spaces have once again been awarded Green Flag accreditation.

"The awards acknowledge the hard work put in by staff and volunteers to keep them in the best condition for our residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come."

The parks recognised are:

• Annfield Plain Park
• Blackhill and Consett Park
• Durham Crematorium and Cemetery, Durham City
• Hardwick Park, Sedgefield
• Mountsett Crematorium, Consett
• Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street
• Town Recreation Ground at Bishop Auckland
• Wharton Park, Durham City

Blackhill and Consett Park has also been given the Green Heritage Site Award supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.