Green Flag status for local parks

Northcroft Park in Newbury and Linear Park in Calcot have both received the Green Flag Award status

TWO West Berkshire parks have been ranked among the best in the country this week.

Northcroft Park in Newbury and Linear Park in Calcot have both received the Green Flag Award status, which recognises that the parks are well-maintained and well-managed, while also representing a high-quality green space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

The two parks are this year among a record number of parks and green spaces to be awarded the status, with 1,288 parks and green spaces now able to fly either the Green Flag or Community Award.

West Berkshire's executive member for the environment, Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley), said: “Both these parks have already been awarded Green Flag status. This is the second year for Linear Park and the third year for Northcroft.

“I am delighted that the Green Flag organisation has now endorsed this status.

“Well done to all those who have worked so hard to make these places special.”

Both parks are owned and managed by West Berkshire Council but their guardianship is in partnership with a group of residents known respectively as the Friends of Northcroft Park, and the Friends of Linear Park.

Mrs Cole said the awards were also a credit to their involvement, while the chairman of the Green Flag Plus Partnership, Phil Barton, also praised everyone who helped to keep the parks at a high standard.

He said: “In these challenging financial times, it is heartening that the number of Green Flag Awards continue to grow.

“As the value of green space and the role it plays in our communities strengthens, we must ensure that these high standards remain.”

All the award-winning sites this year also have the chance to receive a further award from the Green Flag Plus Partnership - the People's Choice Award.

This award is voted for by the public and to register your vote, click on the link below.