RUGBY’S record of having some of the best managed green spaces in the country has been recognised with the award of five Green Flags.
Five parks in the town have again won prestigious Green Flag Awards – the mark of a quality park or green space.
Caldecott Park has now received the accolade for the 12th year in a row – with Millennium Green (Benn ward), Centenary Park (Newbold), Gladstone Green (New Bilton) and the grounds of Rainsbrook Crematorium all retaining theirs following success in previous years.
They are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces – and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world – to receive the award.
The Green Flag Awards, organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, aim to raise standards in parks and green spaces across the country, promoting well-maintained and well-managed parks with excellent facilities.
Judges assess each park put forward for the award against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
Rugby Borough Council environment and public realm spokesman Coun Howard Roberts said: “We are absolutely delighted to retain these five Green Flag Awards that recognise the hard work of our parks and open spaces team and the community volunteers who help manage their local open spaces.
“I am particularly thrilled for the New Bilton Community Association volunteers at Gladstone Green, who deservedly retained the Green Flag Community Award.
“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and these awards celebrate the dedication that goes into maintaining these parks to such a high standard.”
Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 international winners.
“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”
