Meath Gardens has joined Victoria Park, Mile End Park and seven other parks in the borough by earning its first Green Flag Award. The park has an army of fans and an active friends group, which takes pride in ensuring it always looks its best.
Mayor John Biggs was joined by councillors, Friends of Meath Gardens and local residents to take part in in flag raising ceremony to celebrate the success earlier this month. Mayor Biggs said: “Congratulations to everyone who has helped Meath Gardens win this prestigious accolade for the first time. The council prides itself on maintaining all of its parks and open spaces to a high standard. I hope residents will take time out to enjoy this green gem in heart of our bustling borough.”
Cllr Asma Begum, cabinet member for Culture said: “It’s nice to see our smaller parks getting the recognition they deserve. Well done Meath Gardens! Many residents don’t have the luxury of having their own back garden but Tower Hamlets boasts of more than 100 open spaces and parks so everyone can benefit from the value of green spaces.”
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards the very best green spaces. This year a record number of awards were made, with 1,686 parks, cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens across the country meeting the high standards.
Alison Nicholls from the Friends of Meath Gardens added: “The Green Flag is a terrific testimony to the collective efforts of the local community over the last three years and points to a great future for Meath Gardens. I’d encourage everyone to get involved with your local green spaces whether it’s through a Friends group, volunteering or leading a gardening project. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in many ways over the past few years to Meath Gardens.”
This year Tower Hamlets Council retained all of its Green Flags, and the addition of Meath Gardens now brings the number of Green Flag parks in the borough to 10; the highest number the borough has ever had.
All Green Flag parks now have the chance to receive a further award – the prestigious People’s Choice Award 2016. Another of the borough’s parks, Victoria Park, has been crowned People’s Choice winner for the last two years in a row.
This award is voted for by the public, so if you want to see your local park receive the national accolade as the people’s choice, then visit the Green Flag Award website now to register your vote at the Green Flag website.
