Parks and open spaces awarded 'green flags'
The local council's parks and green spaces have been awarded nine national Green Flag awards, with the winners including Edenvilla Park in Portadown and Clare Glen in Tandragee.
"I'm absolutely delighted for our residents and our staff," said Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Greenfield, after the awards were announced.
"We've picked up nine green flag awards – that shows the very high standards we have in our parks and open spaces and is something to be really proud about."
The nine awards went locally to Clare Glen, Tandragee, a first-time winner; Dromore Town Park; Edenvilla Park, Portadown; Loughbrickland Park, Banbridge; Lurgan Park; Palace Demesne, Armagh, a first-time winner; Scarva Park; Solitude Park, Banbridge, and Tannaghmore Gardens.
Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Michelle McIlveen congratulated everyone who was presented with a Green Flag award.
She said, "Our parks and open spaces are frequently enjoyed by people of all ages, providing an opportunity to relax and unwind from everyday life.
"We recognise and reward the achievements of all those who work to improve the quality and environmental standards of our parks and open spaces.
"It is a credit to all those involved that the Green Flag Award scheme has continued to grow over the last four years.
"I am delighted that this year we have seen a record number of applicants.
"I look forward to the continued success of the Green Flag Awards in the coming years in helping more and more of our public parks and green spaces achieve higher environmental standards."
The Green Flag award scheme is a national standard and a means of recognising the best parks and green spaces in the country.
They are judged every year by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
To find out more about the awards log onto www.greenflagaward.org.uk.