Douglas Borough Council has retained its six Green Flags for the second successive year.
Noble’s Park, the Marine Gardens, Douglas Golf Course, Douglas Head, Hutchinson Square and Douglas Borough Crematorium and Cemetery were awarded Green Flags by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy in 2016 and, following the Council’s successful re-submission, have retained their status in 2017.
Regeneration and Community Committee Chair Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘As with all the Council’s services at a time when budgets are under pressure, the Parks Service is being challenged to deliver more for less, so I congratulate the team on having achieved such consistent success in its Green Flag applications. Their efforts in transforming our parks and public gardens are helping to project a truly positive image for Douglas and the Isle of Man.’
Council Leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘To have achieved Green Flag status for these six landmark sites two years in a row underlines the Council’s drive not only for quality but also for consistency in the management of its public green spaces.
‘These community sites represent a major investment by the Council, but it is a financial commitment we view as essential if we are to deliver high quality of life standards throughout the Borough of Douglas.
‘Douglas remains the Island’s sole local authority to be have been awarded Green Flags by this respected independent body, and winners must re-apply each year so there can never be room for complacency. I congratulate the Head of Parks Service Dave Hewes and his small but dedicated team on their continued success, achieved at the same time as making savings and reducing the Council’s carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy technology.’
The Green Flag award scheme takes into account environmental, management and future planning policies along with community involvement. It is judged by more than 700 experts and is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces across the British Isles, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
