Five green spaces in King’s Lynn and Hunstanton to fly the prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk is celebrating after five of its parks and open spaces received a Green Flag Award, recognising them among the very best in the country.
The awards come as the internationally recognised Green Flag Award scheme celebrates its 30th anniversary, highlighting the importance of well-managed parks and green spaces to communities across the UK.
Boston Square Sensory Garden and Heritage Gardens in Hunstanton, along with Mintlyn Crematorium, The Walks and Tower Gardens in King’s Lynn, are among a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK to achieve Green Flag status this year.
Councillor Sandra Squire, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal, said: “We are delighted that five of our parks and open spaces have once again achieved Green Flag status. This national recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and pride shown by our council’s public open space teams throughout the year.
“These spaces play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of residents and visitors alike, providing attractive, welcoming places to relax, exercise, enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends. Several volunteer groups help us look after these areas and I would like to thank all those involved in helping us maintain these sites to such a high standard.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. It sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
