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Parks in Hexham, Bedlington, Seaton Delaval, Ashington and Morpeth have been awarded Green Flag Awards.
The winning Parks are, Hexham Parks, (Hexham), Doctor Pit Park (Bedlington), Astley Park (Seaton Deleval), Hirst Park (Ashington) and Carlisle Park (Morpeth).
The Green Flag Award scheme is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. It was first launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country and to provide a benchmark against which our parks and green spaces are measured. It is also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve high environmental standards.
Paul Todd, green flag award scheme manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.
Entries for the Green Flag Award are open to parks and green spaces located in the UK. They are awarded based on a set of eight criteria from sustainability to community involvement. Four of the five winners were also awarded Green Flag status in 2011. A record number of 1424 UK sites were awarded Green Flag awards this year.
Cllr Alan Thompson, Northumberland County Council’s executive member for neighbourhood services, said: “Parks and green spaces are at the very heart of our communities, being enjoyed by local people and tourists alike. We are committed to maintaining high standards for our parks and it’s great to see that the hard work of our park staff has paid off.
"Over the last few years Northumberland has gone from having two Green Flag award winning parks to having five – which in times of change and reducing resources is a great credit to our neighbourhood services teams."
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