Yellow Advertiser
November 14, 2001

Parks fly the flags

SOUTHEND'S green jewels have received a significant boost to further secure their benefits and beauty for future generations.

Town hall chiefs have been celebrating the news that they have been awarded coveted Green Flags for three of the parks in the borough.

The recently besieged Priory Park has won a Green Flag for the second year running, Chalkwell Park retains its Green Flag status for a third year and Southchurch Park has picked up the award for the first time.

The Green Flag award scheme was launched in 1996, and is designed to recognise and encourage good quality public parks.

All the parks were judged against a strict set of criteria looking at whether they are clean and well maintained, are welcoming, if the community is involved in running them and if they are managed sustainably.

Tony North, Southend Council's executive councillor for leisure, culture and sport, said the parks were also judged to have a number of strengths, including an enthusiastic team which looks after the green areas.

He added: "Gaining two flags is fantastic, but three is even better. These awards are a considerable achievement."

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