Green flag award for fourth Rotherham park

Bradgate Park in Kimberworth has been added to the list of Rotherham Borough Council run parks now bestowed with the accolade, joining Rawmarsh's Rosehill Victoria Park, Thrybergh Country Park and Rother Valley Country Park.

Similar in idea to the Blue Flag scheme for clean beaches, the Green Flag is the benchmark national standard for green spaces in England and Wales and is only awarded to parks which meet the high standard set by the organisation.

To gain the award, the parks were judged by an experienced panel on how welcoming they were, if they were healthy, safe, secure, clean and well maintained, managed to a high standard, that the local residents were involved in the development of the park and if all the improvements were sustainable.

Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Sport, Iain St. John, commented: "It is fantastic news for Rotherham that yet another of our wonderful parks has passed the test and been given this fantastic accolade. Bradgate Park makes four awards in total, which is our largest we have ever attained.

"It really shows the determination and spirit of our Green spaces team, who are constantly striving to improve our local parks to the highest standard.

"Being awarded the Green Flag is incredibly important and something that Rotherham should be extremely proud of."

The Green Flag scheme was first launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must re-apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.