Hillingdon’s still a very green and pleasant land

Council adds six more flags to its portfolio of parks

HILLINGDON has more topquality parks and green spaces than any local authority in the UK for a third year running.

The council enhanced its reputation for excellence by adding six more Green Flag awards to its total, bringing the total to 34.

Green Flag awards are afforded to parks and green spaces that meet exacting standards and their status must be renewed each year. They are judged by a group of environmental charities including Keep Britain Tidy.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon’s cabinet member for finance, property and business services, said: “This is the third year running that Hillingdon Council has proved itself to be the cream of the crop by achieving the highest number of Green Flag parks and green spaces in the UK and we are really proud of our continued success.

“There are over 200 green spaces in the London Borough of Hillingdon and it is fantastic to be recognised for the amount of time and effort we consistently invest to maintain such high standards for residents and visitors, complemented by the sterling work of local community groups and volunteers.”

The six new Green Flag parks in Hillingdon are: Shenley Park ( pictured above), Ruislip Manor; Knights Gardens, Hillingdon; Hitherbroom Open Space (Owl Park), Hayes; The Closes, West Drayton; Warren Park, Hayes; and Elephant Park, Hillingdon.

To be awarded a Green Flag, parks and green spaces must meet several criteria and prove themselves to be welcoming, communityoriented, friendly to the environment, well-managed and clean. The award of six new Green Flags was also the most given to any one local authority in 2015.