VOLUNTEERS at a Halesowen park are celebrating after being recognised as one of the UK’s best green and open spaces.

Leasowes Park was announced as a recipient of green flag status as part of the prestigious annual award scheme this week.

Marianne Diller, chairman of the Friends of Leasowes Park group, said the award is vitally important to those who give up their time to “provide a great asset to the people of Halesowen”.

She said: “The green flag is such a prestigious award and shows that the park is continuing to thrive.

“Due to the austerity cuts, Dudley Council could no longer afford to fund the flags, for the first time I can remember, so it was left it up to the parks to raise the money £350 needed to get the inspectors down to the park.

“We are very fortunate that the friends, the Monday walkers and the Nordic pole group came together to be able to fund this special honour.

“It is vitally important for us and all the people who look after the park to be recognised with the green flag.”

Halesowen News:

Leasowes was not the only Dudley borough park to receive the award this year, Silver Jubilee Park, Buffery Park and Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve were given green flag status, while Mary Stevens Park and Priory Park were awarded the Green Heritage Award and Abbey Road Allotments received the green flag community award.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We’re really proud of our parks in the borough and it’s fantastic so many have been given the green flag status in this most recent announcement.

“It’s important to us that we maintain and preserve them for future generations as we know they provide a haven for people of all ages, whether they’re walking the dog or taking their children for a kick about, the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy quality green spaces right on their doorstep.”