THREE parks in Taunton have retained their Green Flag accreditation for another year.

Comeytrowe, French Weir and Victoria Park have all been recognised again and received the international quality mark for parks and green spaces on Tuesday, July 16.

The Comeytrowe Park award was the Green Flag Community Award recognising how well the volunteers from Friends of Comeytrowe Park manage it for everyone to enjoy.

The news that all three have achieved the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, both from Taunton Town Council, supported by the ground’s maintenance team at Somerset Council and the volunteers from Friends of Comeytrowe Park, Friends of French Weir Park and Victoria Park Action Group that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

To mark this success, the Green Flags will be raised at the parks over the next few weeks, by Councillor Vanessa Garside, Mayor of Taunton along with representatives from the Friends of Comeytrowe Park, Friends of French Weir Park and Victoria Park Action Group.

Councillor Garside said: “I am delighted that once again, three of our parks have been judged as amongst the best in the country.

“It is wonderful that the thriving community groups have received the recognition that they deserve for their ongoing hard work and commitment to helping to maintain the space to such a high standard.

“Having access to well-maintained outside space is hugely important for wellbeing and maintaining a sustainable environment is a key priority of Taunton Town Council.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved with Comeytrowe, French Weir and Victoria parks in Taunton on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“They are vital green spaces for communities in Taunton to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and they provide important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.

“It is important that our free-to-use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.