Green Flag Awards for South Tyneside parks
THREE of South Tyneside’s most stunning parks enjoyed by thousands every year have been named among the best in the country.
South Marine Park in South Shields and West Park in Jarrow have retained the Green Flag Award again this year, which recognises green spaces that boast the highest environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have exceptional facilities.
West Park, in South Shields, has also been named for the first time as one of the best community green spaces in the country.
The awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their award status.
The national recognition is as a result of the parks looking their best through the efforts of South
Tyneside Council and the associated friends groups.
Councillor Joan Atkinson, lead member for area management and community safety, said: “It is wonderful news that West Park in Jarrow and South Marine Park in South Shields have both retained the respected Green Flag Award and we are incredibly pleased to see West Park in South Shields gaining the award this year. It’s a fantastic achievement.
“The Green Flag is a sign of a wellmanaged, clean and safe park. With many people increasingly relying on their local parks to enjoy the outdoors, quality green space has never been more important.
“These awards celebrate all the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining these sites to such a high standard.
“I would like to thank all those people – the staff, friends groups and volunteers – who do so much all year round to ensure our parks remain beautiful spaces for visitors to enjoy. They are instrumental in these achievements.”
This year has been a recordbreaking year with more than 2,000 UK parks and green spaces securing Green Flag status.
Allison Ogden-Newtown OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks’ staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, South Tyneside Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
To celebrate, South Shields Hall will be joining landmarks across the country, including the White Cliffs of Dover and the London Stadium, in being lit up green on Wednesday, October 14.
For further information about parks in South Tyneside, visit www. southtyneside.gov.uk/parks