Whaley Bridge’s Memorial Park is flying the flag for excellence for the twelfth successive year having once again attained prestigious Green Flag status.

A dedicated group of volunteers work in partnership with High Peak Borough Council’s parks team, the park ranger, and its grounds maintenance partner Alliance Environmental Services (AES) to care for and develop the Memorial Park.

Assistant Executive Councillor Rob Baker said: “Congratulations to the fantastic team of Council staff and volunteers who work tirelessly all year round to ensure the Memorial Park keeps its status as one of the best in the country.

“We’re proud to fly the Green Flag and to celebrate having such a fantastic community asset in Whaley Bridge which consistently sets the highest standards to win this award year after year.

Some of the team who care for the Memorial Park celebrating this year’s Green Flag Award. Photo High Peak Borough Council

placeholder image — Some of the team who care for the Memorial Park celebrating this year’s Green Flag Award. Photo High Peak Borough Council

“Our parks and green spaces are places for people to meet, socialise and to be active outdoors.

“We’re investing in improving these special places across the High Peak, working together with the communities who value them the most, to ensure we can all have access to the physical and mental wellbeing benefits that moving more and being outdoors brings.”

The Green Flag scheme, now in its thirtieth year, is managed by Keep Britain Tidy to reward well-managed parks and green spaces which set the benchmark standard across the UK and around the world.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.

“Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“The team in High Peak have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.

“As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming, and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved.”