Sixth Green Flag award for Memorial Park

Published on 2 November 2020

The 'rule of six' has a happy interpretation for the Memorial Park in Whaley Bridge which has been awarded a Green Flag of excellence for the sixth successive year.

The High Peak Borough Council Park is one of a record-breaking 2,000+ UK parks and green spaces to receive the prestigious award - 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: "We are absolutely delighted that the Memorial Park has once again achieved this internationally recognisable mark of excellence.

"It's much deserved and our congratulations go to our staff and the ever enthusiastic Friends of the Park for their hard work and dedication to keeping the Park at the top for another year.

"This year more than ever we've all come to value our parks and open spaces which provide our local communities with the opportunity to enjoy spending time and being active outdoors and all the health and wellbeing benefits that brings.

"We at the Council are committed to providing quality open spaces and parks across the Borough and the park here in Whaley Bridge certainly sets the standard at the highest level."

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: "Our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

"It is testament to the incredible hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record number of visitors, Whaley Bridge Memorial Park has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

­Photograph: L - R Friends of the Park member Simon Booth with Deputy Council Leader Councillor Damien Greenhalgh. The photo was taken at the flag raising ceremony for last year's award and before the current Covid health pandemic.