There’s something new to see when you next visit Mesnes Park – it’s proudly flying a Green Flag, the international symbol of excellence.
This week, the Newton-le-Willows Park was one of four green spaces in St Helens borough to receive the accolade.
Victoria Park and Taylor Park also met the high standards needed to receive a Green Flag (Victoria Park’s tenth consecutive win), with praise going to the hard work and dedication of the council services and volunteers that care for them.
St Helens Cemetery also achieved Green Flag accreditation after a submission by long-standing volunteer group the Friends of St Helens Cemetery.
The group’s contributions to the site include various community gardens, including Walter and Miss Fair-Isle ‘Dear Mum’ and the Pity 11 memorial flowerbed, both within the Peace Garden, 11 memorials and one children’s memorial dedicated to all those who rest in common graves and the summerhouse gazebo.
Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “The importance of our green spaces can’t be overstated, granting us time in nature and away from urban life, and places in which to relax and exercise to improve our wellbeing.
“This year we’re thrilled to announce that Mesnes Park and Taylor Park receive their Green Flag accreditation, alongside Victoria Park which celebrates its tenth consecutive win. And we couldn’t be prouder of the good people at the Friends of St Helens Cemetery. Their contributions have enhanced these special grounds, providing beautiful, tranquil spaces for the bereaved to reflect and remember their lost loved ones.
“These achievements are as much for all our parks across the borough receiving the same level of care and attention for residents to enjoy, and it’s our ambition to bring more parks up to the recognised Green Flag standard.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in St Helens Borough on achieving four Green Flag Awards.
“These parks provide vital green space for communities to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.
“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of these achievements.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
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