Borough's open spaces win major green accolade

12.08.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th Jul 2008

• A MAJOR accolade for London's greenest borough has been announced with the award of four Green Flag Awards for the borough's open spaces.

Prestigious Green Flag status has been given for the first time to York House Gardens in Twickenham and Palewell Common and Fields in Sheen. And Hatherop Park in Hampton and Twickenham Green have both retained the special status, which has to be reapplied for every year. The award scheme was launched in 1996 and is managed by the Civic Trust on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government as a way of recognising the best green spaces in the country. To qualify, parks must be welcoming, clean and well-maintained, safe and secure and encourage community involvement. There is a rigorous inspection programme which takes in, among other things, the standards of facilities offered, levels of public involvement and information, sustainability and encouraging biodiversity, taking into account that every green space has its own unique character.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said:

"This is marvellous news which reflects the high priority we place on achieving the highest standards in our green spaces. Green Flag status is highly prized, and these awards underline the excellence of our parks and open spaces, which are there for everyone to enjoy. We're London's greenest borough, and we were thrilled last year when Hatherop Park and Twickenham Green won this special status. Now both have retained it. And we are delighted that Palewell Common and Fields and York House Gardens have won the accolade for the first time. These awards are not just given; they have to be earned. And it is a testament to the hard work of our parks staff, our grounds maintenance contractor, Veolia, and the various Park Friends Groups that this success has been achieved. It's a tremendous team effort and we are determined these high standards will be maintained to ensure our open spaces continue to be enjoyed for generations to come."