Erewash and its green delights can celebrate again, with the news confirmed today (Thursday 14th) that the borough has retained its five Green Flags.

Long Eaton’s Forbes Hole Local Nature Reserve, awarded the prestigious honour for the first time last year, joins the four other popular leisure sites in keeping hold of the national award – West Park in Long Eaton and Ilkeston’s Victoria Park; Straw’s Bridge Local Nature Reserve, West Hallam; and Pioneer Meadows Local Nature Reserve, Kirk Hallam.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says the news is a tribute to the hard work of the council’s teams and the many local people who volunteer to help in keeping the sites looking so good:

“We treasure our award winning parks, open spaces and local nature reserves, they are so important - and particularly so now as we all understand the need for being outside to boost our health and well-being.

“The Green Flags will continue to fly at these five sites and will be testament to the pride that we and our local community have for our lovely borough. I give my thanks to our staff and also the Friends group volunteers who we rely on to work with us all year round to achieve this tremendous result.”

The Green Flag award is the benchmark national standard for England and Wales and is presented to high quality parks, green spaces and nature reserves that have excellent facilities and are well-maintained and well-managed.