A RECORD number of parks and other green spaces in the North East have landed a national award.
A total of 65 locations have received a Green Flag Award and four won a Community Award.
The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national standard for parks in the UK and recognises well-managed, high-quality areas.
The scheme, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and GreenSpace, recognises Durham County Council as having the most environmentally friendly cemeteries in the country.
Green Flag status in the county this year has risen to 15 – five more than last year and the highest in the region.
Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods and partnerships, Brian Stephens, said: “I am extremely proud that we have worked together to achieve 15 flags and to hold the largest number in the country for our cemeteries is wonderful. We know how important it is that these places offer welcoming and tranquil environments for people to remember their loved ones and I am so proud of this achievement.”
The winning Durham County Council sites are: Witton Gilbert Dene; Moorside Cemetery; Hardwick Park, Sedgefield; Bowlees Picnic Area, Teesdale; Hurworth Burn to Station Town railway path; Waskerley Way ; Sacriston Cemetery; Noses Point local nature reserve; South Road Cemetery & Crematorium, Durham City; Riverside Park and Ropery Lane Cemetery, Chester-le-Street; Castleside Cemetery; Blackhill & Consett Park; View Lane Park, Stanley; Annfield Plain Park.
Horden Parish Council was successful with three submissions – Horden Welfare Park; Horden Memorial Park and Thorpe Road cemetery. Ferryhill Town Council also gained awards for Surtees Doorstep Green, Duncombe cemetery and Mainsforth sports complex.
