Flying the flag for excellence at Ladderedge

Ladderedge Country Park has been named amongst the best in the world for the third successive year.

The Park is one of a record-breaking 1,797 parks and green spaces to receive the influential Green Flag Award - the mark of a quality park or green space.

The international award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Councillor Ben Emery, and Councillor Mike Bowen, cabinet member for communities, joined the Friends of Ladderedge Country Park on site to celebrate the hat-trick of Green Flag awards.

Councillor Bowen said: "We are delighted to receive this award once again - and particularly in a year when a record number of parks and green spaces have collected a Green Flag Award.

"Key to this success is the partnership between the Council and the Friends of Ladderedge Country Park who not only help to maintain the Park for visitors to enjoy but who have also added to the amenities by raising funds for and commissioning the owl sculpture which is already extremely popular with visitors.

"The Green Flag judges described the Friends as a dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable group who should be commended for the significant contribution they make - and we at the Council wholeheartedly endorse that and congratulate you on this achievement."

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

"Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people."

Councillor Emery added his thanks to the Friends and added: "We are delighted that the Country Park has once again been recognised as one of the best in the country with its meadows, woodlands and wetlands to explore and stunning views across Leek and the surrounding countryside.

"When visiting the Park is it easy to understand why high quality open spaces like Ladderedge play such an important role in our physical and mental wellbeing."