Green Flag raised for Stevenage

The prestigious Green Flag awarded to HTA's Town Centre Gardens in Stevenage was celebrated with a flag-raising by the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Carol Latif, on Friday 4 November.

This is the first time that the Town Centre Gardens has been recognised with Green Flag status.

Green Flags are the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. They are awarded annually to a variety of green spaces that are welcoming, healthy, safe, and secure, clean and well maintained, and sustainable, among other criteria.

Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, Cllr Howard Burrell, Executive Member for Children and Young People, Culture, Sport and Leisure, said, “We’re extremely pleased to see the Green Flag being raised here at Fairlands and delighted that this year we’re celebrating two Green Flag Awards in Stevenage. Fairlands remains a popular and well-kept green space that plays host to many activities across the course of the year, and the Town Centre Gardens is already proving an important green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Both parks are highly deserving of this important national accolade.”

Cllr John Gardner, Executive member for the Environment and Regeneration, said, “These two Green Flag awards show the high level of stewardship the Borough Council maintains for its valuable urban green spaces. They also reflect the excellent relationship we have with our partners Stevenage Leisure, Friends of the Town Centre Gardens and students from North Herts College who, along with our operational ground work team have made these awards possible through their dedicated work. Both Fairlands Valley Park and the Town Centre Gardens bring enjoyment and pleasure to thousands of Stevenage people and visitors throughout the year.”