Country parks scoop Green Flag award

Popular Leicestershire beauty spots have been officially named as being some of the best in the country.

Beacon Hill Country Park and Bosworth Park, which are managed by the County Council, and Watermead Country Park, which is jointly managed by the County and City Councils, have each retained a coveted Green Flag.

Green Flags are a sign to visitors that the park is well maintained, well managed and has excellent facilities.

This year a record 1,288 parks across the country will either fly the Green Flag or Community Award.

County Council Cabinet Member for Country Parks Byron Rhodes said: "Beacon Hill, Bosworth Park and Watermead are beautiful green spaces and are much loved by many, which is reflected in the fact they continue to retain Green Flag status.

"I would encourage anyone who has not yet been to have a look around and see for themselves what gems they are."

Phil Barton, Green Flag Plus Partnership chairman said: "I would like to congratulate this year's winners, who have worked hard throughout the year to keep their parks and green spaces at a high standard and ensure they are pleasant and enjoyable spaces for the whole community.

"The Green Flag Award Scheme, and its growth, is essential in driving up the standards of our parks and green spaces. Access to quality green space is something we all desire and the scheme plays a key role in providing it.

"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 these high standards remain."