Hall Leys Park officially one of UK's best

28 July 2010

With parks providing the perfect location for families during the school holidays, the Matlock park has again been recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces with a prestigious Green Flag Award today (28 July).

Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country and Hall Leys Park stood out after impressing the judges with its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Community & Environment Committee Chairman Councillor Mrs Janet Goodison said: “Our parks staff work very hard throughout the year to ensure these fabulous facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed both by local people and visitors to the Dales.

“This is the third Green Flag in a row for the Hall Leys - a great achievement.  Local people tell us that keeping the Dales clean and green is a priority for them and we know our beautiful parks and gardens, including the Hall Leys, contribute to the £243-million and 5,440 jobs tourism brings to the local economy.”

This year has seen the highest number of awards handed out – a record 1,200 Green Flags and Green Pennants across the UK compared to 1,013 in 2009.  Green Pennants are awarded to parks or green spaces managed by a community or voluntary group.

Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to win an award through the scheme, which is run by environmental charities Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace.

Paul Todd, Manager, Green Flag Award Scheme, said: “It’s a remarkable achievement that so many parks have successfully reached Green Flag Award status this year.  As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance.”

The awards could not come at a better time as GreenSpace’s ‘Love Parks’ week takes place between July 24 and August 1, during which people will be encouraged to enjoy the nation’s parks and green spaces.

• Pictured above: Members of the District Council's parks team proudly raise the new flag.