GREEN Flags were raised at Belle Vue Park in Penarth and Victoria Park in Barry on August 3, after they both won the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy awards for public open spaces.

It is the sixth year in a row Belle Vue Park has retained its Green Flag and the third time Victoria Park has been awarded. The flags are given in recognition of well managed, high quality green spaces and a total of 48 locations in Wales have been awarded this year.

The flags were raised by Cllr Geoff Cox, Cabinet Member for Visible and Building Services, Vale of Glamorgan Council. He said: “Victoria Park and Belle Vue are both fantastic parks and well worth a visit if you either live or are staying in the area. The awards are a reflection of the dedication and passion of our staff and volunteers who work so hard to ensure the parks are kept to such a high standard.”

Cllr Cox was joined by Phil Beaman, operational manager, parks and grounds maintainence. Mr Beaman added: “We’re really fortunate in the Vale that there are so many green spaces to choose from. In addition to our awarded-winning parks, there are also other parks and open spaces which are well worth visiting. Details of these, and others in the county, can be found on the council’s website.”

In recent years, research has proved that quality parks and green spaces play a vital role within local communities. They contribute to the local environment, the local economy, health and well-being, and also bring communities together.

A major new study by the UK National Ecosystems Assessment (NEA) has placed more value than ever on green spaces. It has shown that the health benefits of living with a view of green space are worth up to £300 per person per year.

Chairman of the Green Flag Plus Partnership, Phil Barton, said: “The importance of good-quality green spaces cannot be overestimated. They are central to the growth of our communities, both socially and economically.

The Green Flag Award Scheme, and its growth, is essential in driving up the standards of our parks and green spaces. Access to quality green space is something we all desire and the scheme plays a key role in providing it.”