Council boss joy at borough park’s win

The Amber Valley Borough Council leader said he was overjoyed at the parks winning prestigious Green Flag Awards.

He said: “These awards are the result of lots of hard work by the communities of Amber Valley.

“The Friends of the various parks and the officers at Amber Valley Borough Council have teamed up and worked both together and separately to maintain the quality of the borough’ open spaces.

“Officers have cracked down on vanadalism, anti-social behaviour and dog fouling in a bid to keep the parks clean and welcoming to people and families of all ages.

“I hope that all this hard work will also be rewarded by more tourists coming to Amber Valley to enjoy the facilities that are on offer.”

Cray’s Hill Recreation Ground, Ripley’s Crossley Park, Heanor Memorial Park, Pennytown Ponds and Riddings Park were among the award winners.

Belper Cemetery, Belper Parks and Belper River Gardens were also awarded the prestigious Green Flag.

The Award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A Green Flag flying is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Portfolio holder for environment, Cllr David Wilson, said of the success: “We are absolutely delighted to receive eight Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy.

“It is one more than last year, and the most of any local authority in Derbyshire.

“This award recognises and highlights that people in Amber Valley are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality.”

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity.

It inspires people to be litter-free, to waste less and to live more.

It runs programmes including eco-schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches.

Keep Britain Tidy runs the award scheme in the UK on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, its programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.