Park flags are flying high

Rother Valley Country Park has retained its Green Flag status, along with Thrybergh Country Park and three of the borough’s urban parks - Clifton, Bradgate and Rawmarsh Rosehill.

It means that the five parks have met the standards as laid down by the scheme, which means that each park is a welcoming place; is healthy, safe and secure; is clean and well maintained; is sustainable; and protects its conservation and heritage. Each park must also encourage local community involvement and be well managed.

Coun Amy Rushforth, cabinet member for culture and tourism for Rotherham Council, described it as ‘brilliant news’ for both the people of Rotherham and council officers.

She said: “Our green spaces staff and rangers must be congratulated because their hard work and dedication has really paid off and has resulted in Rotherham being successful in these awards once again.”

“It means that people across the Borough as well as further afield have free access to some really marvellous urban and country parks.”

“Despite the current budget pressures on local authorities, Rotherham Council will do all it can to try and maintain these high standards because our parks are very special and we know how much they are enjoyed and valued by local people.”

The Green Flag Award was set up in 1996 and is the benchmark national standard for free-to-enter parks and green spaces in the country.

Parks and green spaces are judged in April and May each year and the winners are announced in July. Parks must apply each year to keep their Green Flag Award.