Green Flag success for Friary Gardens » Communities » 24dash.com

A HISTORIC part of Richmond has become one of just 42 places in the whole country to receive a prestigious heritage award.

Friary Gardens in Richmond has been awarded a Green Flag Award for the second year running, in recognition of its involvement of the local community, high standard of maintenance and welcoming atmosphere.

But this year it has also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation, based on the treatment of the sites historic features and the standard of conservation. The accreditation recognises the measures to protect both the Cenotaph and the 13th century Franciscan friary and is all the more special because it comes in the friarys 750th anniversary year.

Friary Gardens is one of 44 green spaces in Yorkshire and Humberside to receive the Green Flag award others include the Spa Gardens in Harrogate, Rowntree Park in York and Roundhay Park in Leeds. Across the country, 743 Green Flag awards have been announced today (Thursday, July 17), but just 42 have received the additional Green Heritage Site Accreditation as well.

Council staff will travel to Liverpool next week (Thursday, July 24) to formally receive the flag so it can be brought back and displayed in Richmondshire.

Councillor Russell Lord, the Councils spokesperson for Green Living, said: "Friary Gardens is a wonderful green space loved by residents and visitors alike. And it is all the more gratifying for it to receive the rare honour of Green Heritage Site Accreditation too.

"This double award really is testament to all the hard work that goes into Friary Gardens, not just by our grounds maintenance team, but also the local community, which plays such an important role in protecting this historic place."

Councillors Clive World and John Robinson, ward members for Richmond Central, said: "Congratulations to the workforce on again achieving this award for their efforts in Friary Gardens. Local people and tourists alike enjoy sitting or walking through this beautiful area of Richmond and appreciate the effort that goes into making it such a special place."

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme Application Manager, said:  "The increasing number of Green Flag Award winning parks and green spaces highlight the important role they play in bringing people together and improving their quality of life.

"Congratulations to all the management, staff, and in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence."