London,
23
July
2009
|
23:00
Europe/London

Ten Green Flags puts Hackney in top five for best London parks

Keep Britain Tidy - the organisation that aims to improve local parks and open spaces - has given 10 Green Flag awards to the London Borough of Hackney.

The Green Flag Awards is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. It recognises the best green spaces in the country and encourages a high standard of environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence.

Local sites that retained Green Flag status in 2009 are Clissold Park, Hackney Downs, Haggerston Park, Springfield Park, London Fields, St John s Churchyard, Shoreditch Park.

New Green Flag Awards went to Clapton Pond and De Beauvoir Square. St John s Churchyard also kept its status as a Green Heritage Site, making a total of ten awards. Only three London boroughs have more Green Flag awards than Hackney.

In addition, Hackney Marsh User Group received a Green Pennant Award, which recognises high quality green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups, for its work on developing the Hackney Community Tree Nursery and Edible Forest Garden.

Cllr Nargis Khan, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Community Services said: "Four years ago Hackney only had one award for its parks; now we have ten. This demonstrates how far the Council has come in making sure that residents and visitors have access to the welcoming, safe, clean and pleasant areas they deserve.

"Congratulations to all the staff, user groups and local organisations who have worked hard to look after our valuable green spaces."

To be eligible for an award, each park must also submit a five year plan for continued maintenance and improvement. More local green spaces will be entered in next year s Green Flag Awards.

Hackney has the highest proportion of open space of any inner London borough, ranging from Hackney Marshes to Hoxton Square.

For more information about the Hackney s parks, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/cp-community-parks

Further details on this press release are available from Karyn Michael, Hackney Council Media Officer, on: 020 8356 3261 or email: karyn.michael@hackney.gov.uk