City Council’s ‘green’ winning team

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 10 September 2008)

To mark recent floral successes, Carlisle City Council’s green spaces team will be ‘flying the flag’ at the city’s award-winning Stanwix Church Yard, on Thursday, 11 September, at 2.00pm.

Stanwix Churchyard, Carlisle’s Bitts Park, Carlisle Cemetery grounds, Hammond’s Pond, Kingmoor Nature Reserve and Tullie House Gardens have recently been judged some of the best green spaces in England and Wales.

In recognition of this success, City Council’s green spaces team will be joining forces at Stanwix Church Yard with several members of the congregation, a number of children from Stanwix Primary and teaching staff who helped with the work in the church yard. A photo opportunity has been arranged at 2.00pm on Thursday 11 September, where those involved will formally receive a ‘green flag’ from the Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Mrs Jacquelyne Geddes.

The winners of the 2008/09 Green Flag Award, the national standard for parks and green spaces, were announced at the end of the Summer. The Carlisle City Council parks and gardens were six of 742 green spaces across England and Wales to achieve the standard.

Carlisle City Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure said:

"The Green Flag awards are another stamp of approval for Carlisle and its green spaces. Within the county, we are leading the way with a staggering six awards. This year’s awards are testament to the countless hours of hard work put in by the Council’s grounds staff. They ensure that we have areas of great beauty and tranquillity that benefit our residents and visitors alike. Well done to all concerned."

The Green Flag Award scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces. It is managed by the Civic Trust. The scheme recognises the value of green spaces in communities, particularly urban environments, and rewards excellent standards of park management.

Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Mrs Jacquelyne Geddes said:

‘’I am extremely pleased the Council is continuing to develop its green spaces throughout the city to such a high standard, working in conjunction with young people. I know the children at Stanwix Primary have gained a great deal of enjoyment from the space at Stanwix Church Yard and will continue to do so in the future.’’