Telford Town Park to fly flag as one of the best in the country

It was among a record-breaking 1,582 parks and green spaces that were the latest to receive a prestigious Green Flag Award by Keep Britain Tidy.

The award stands as a national benchmark to recognise the best in the country.

And a Green Flag will now fly overhead at the park in Telford town centre, showing visitors that it has high standards, is "beautifully maintained" and has "excellent facilities".

Covering 420 acres of green space, the Town Park has received significant investment in the last five years.

It has a new visitor centre, water play park, high ropes course, adventure golf course, all ability play area, teenage activity area, nature and heritage trails, picnic areas and other attractions including Wonderland.

It also includes the existing play areas, formal gardens and local nature reserve.

Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for Leisure Services and Culture at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We're absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy.

"The Town Park is a brilliant asset for the borough, offering a wide range of attractions for all ages.

"This Award recognises all of the hard work that has gone into and continues to make the park a green space of the very highest quality.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Friends of the Town Park who contribute enormously to keeping the garden areas in bloom."

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

"All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

The announcement of this year's award winners comes in the same week that thousands of people up and down the country are enjoying Love Parks Week, which runs until August 2, an annual celebration of the country's fantastic green spaces and the community groups that bring them to life.

Telford Town Park will be celebrating Love Parks Week with a series of events. For more details on the free sessions call (01952) 382340 or email telfordtownpark@telford.gov.uk