High five as Memorial Park awarded Green Flag again

Supporters of Whaley Bridge's Memorial Park are celebrating again after it was awarded a Green Flag - the badge of excellence for parks and green spaces - for the fifth year running.

The High Peak Borough Council Park is one of a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in 13 other countries around the world to receive the prestigious award.

The international award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "It's fantastic to have been awarded the Green Flag for the fifth successive year.

"We're proud of the Memorial Park, our staff and particularly the Friends of the Park who give so willingly of their time to help care for it and maintain it as a beautiful, peaceful place for the whole community to enjoy.

"The Green Flag is a widely respected recognised mark of excellence - and it's very well deserved here. Congratulations to all concerned once again."

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "It's fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 international winners.

"Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Awards. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement."