Supporters of the Memorial Park in Whaley Bridge are celebrating the gr-eight news that it has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag once again this year.

It’s one of a record number of 2,208 parks and green spaces to be recognised.

The scheme 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.

A dedicated Friends Group of volunteers work alongside High Peak Borough Council’s parks team and its grounds maintenance partner Alliance Environmental Services (AES) to care for and develop the park.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, joined some of them in the park to raise the flag.

He said: "We are delighted that, for the eighth year in succession, the Memorial Park has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag.

“The park here in Whaley Bridge sets the bar at the highest level and I’d like to pay tribute to all the volunteers who give their time and effort so willingly, and to the Council’s teams, for maintaining these standards and retaining Green Flag status.

“All those who love and visit this park, the Friends Group that help to develop and care for it alongside our staff, and we at the Council know just how special it is but it’s great to have that officially recognised once again.

“Our parks and green spaces across the High Peak are to be treasured which is why we place such a high importance on them and why, through our Parks Strategy, we’re prioritising keeping them special by working co-operatively with the communities that truly value their existence.”

The group check out the amenities at the new temporary play area

Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager, Paul Todd, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making the Memorial Park worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“It is a vital green space for the community in Whaley Bridge. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

A new temporary play area has been provided in the park by the Canal and River Trust ahead of the main construction work to restore Toddbrook Reservoir, which is due to start this Autumn, resulting in the closure of the existing play area.

Councillor Greenhalgh added: “Making sure quality play equipment such as this continues to be provided is a key part of maintaining standards at the park whilst this necessary work takes place.

“We are grateful to the Canal and River Trust for providing these temporary amenities and their ongoing commitment to working with the Council and the local community.”

Main image: 

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh (centre) with L-R the Council’s Caz Whittle, Friends of the Memorial Park Dave Beever and Shaun McConnell, Park Ranger Tref Jones and another member of the Friends group Jaine Wright and the Green Flag for 2022/23. 

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