Victoria Park. Pic: Kathryn Sunnucks
Nine green spaces and parks within the borough of Tower Hamlets have been awarded a Green Flag Award ‘setting a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas’.
The Green Flag Awards have been given out every year since 1997 and are seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve high environmental standards. The award winning sites are:
- St George’s Gardens
- Mile End Park
- Trinity Square Gardens
- Millwall Park
- Island Gardens
- Victoria Park
- Weavers Fields
- Altab Ali Park
- Poplar Recreation Ground
Mayor John Biggs said: “I’m delighted that this borough’s green spaces continue to go from strength to strength. Our Parks Team continues to deliver for residents and also the dedicated community groups that look after our parks have outdone themselves this year. I look forward to running our new awards up the flagpole.”
Amid recent air pollution concerns in Tower Hamlets Richard McIlwain, Operations Director of the Green Flag Award Scheme said: “We don’t currently have information to demonstrate the impact that green space has on reducing levels of pollution across London. However, there is a wealth of research that demonstrates how green spaces in urban areas do actively limit pollution, in particular by absorbing nitrogen dioxide and particulates. Maintaining and improving local parks and green spaces can only enhance this benefit.”
In addition to its Green Flag Award, Victoria Park also scooped up a Green Flag Heritage Award, which is sponsored by English Heritage and is “given in recognition of achieving the required standard in the management and interpretation of a site with local or national historic importance”.
Victoria Park is also looking to retain its People’s Choice Award, which it has held for the past two years, with the voting still ongoing and the winner being announced in October. All Green Flag Award winning sites are entered and you can vote for your favourite here, using the interactive map.
Councillor Asma Begum, cabinet member for culture said: “The council is working hard to ensure all of its parks and open spaces are maintained to the highest standards. The Green Flag award recognises this achievement and we are committed to making them the best that they can be.”
She added: “The Green Flag Award Scheme is important 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.”
