A Green Flag has been officially raised at Ilkeston’s Victoria Park – after the town’s much-loved haven was again honoured in a nationwide awards scheme.
The banner salutes the park being kept pristine. It is among a total of five Green Flag awards that were won by green spaces across Erewash.
The others to scoop the honour were Long Eaton’s West Park and the nearby Forbes Hole Local Nature Reserve, plus Straws Bridge in Ilkeston and Pioneer Meadows in Kirk Hallam.
Like the others, Victoria Park has been a previous winner. This year the park was ALSO presented with a Green Heritage Accreditation – an award backed by Historic England.
The Green Flag scheme is run by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The gongs salute Erewash council’s stewardship of its 650 acres of parks, open spaces and nature reserves.
Pictured are the Mayor of Erewash Councillor Frank Phillips, fourth from right, Councillor Joel Bryan, fourth from left, some of the staff who keep the parks looking lovely, as well as members of the Friends of Victoria Park.
Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, Councillor Joel Bryan, said: “Local people are rightly proud of the borough’s green spaces. These awards recognise the council’s commitment to maintaining our treasured havens.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Paul Todd MBE, who manages the Green Flag scheme, said: “These Erewash green spaces are vital community assets, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.
“Staff and volunteers do so much to maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award. Everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”