Green Flag awards recognise dedication of cemeteries’ ground maintenance teams

Two cemeteries in Eden District have received coveted Green Flag awards for the quality of the grounds management and maintenance. Alston Cemetery has been awarded Green Flag status for the first time, whilst Penrith Cemetery has won the award for the fifth year in a row.

Eden District Councillor for Alston, Pat Godwin said: “We are delighted that Alston Cemetery has been recognised with Green Flag status. We are developing a Friends Group to support the maintenance of the cemetery; this will give local people the opportunity to have their say in how this community asset is maintained in the future. Getting the Green Flag award is a really positive first step.”

The programme of maintenance and upkeep to the grounds at Alston Cemetery is very similar to Penrith Cemetery and includes the cutting and strimming of the grass, the maintenance of the trees, shrubs and paths. We also check the headstones, land and building for any health and safety risks. Identify and encourage biodiversity and the use of the Cemetery by the local community.

Penrith Cemetery has retained its Green Flag status, Eden District Council’s Environment Portfolio Holder, Mike Tonkin said: “Eden’s Contracts Team and Enterprise’s grounds maintenance staff work really hard to maintain the cemeteries to such a high standard, the Green Flag awards are really well deserved. I hope local communities take really pride in the quality of their work, which is there for everyone to see.”

The Green Flag Award is a national standard for well maintained green spaces. It recognizes the quality of the facilities, grounds maintenance and management. The sites are assessed against a range of criteria including quality of access, facilities, cleanliness, sustainability, conservation and the role it plays within the communities.

Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a variety of ways. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages, and the Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all. The many excellent stories coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with professionals in our green spaces. Well done to all those involved in creating these inspirational places for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information about the Green Flag Awards visit www.greenflagaward.org.uk

Picture: Celebrating the Green Flag Award success at Alston cemetery are Alston Cemetery Friends Group member Sheila Hodgson, Eden District Council’s Environment Portfolio Holder Mike Tonkin, Alston District Councillor Pat Godwin and Eden District Council’s Contracts Officer Paul Emmerson.