Worcester’s Riverside and three other city parks are among best in UK. 

Worcester’s Riverside Park was awarded a Green Flag by the national Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

It is the latest of the city's parks to enjoy the accolade - with Gheluvelt Park, Cripplegate Park and Fort Royal Park all also retaining the award for another year.

Councillor Joy Squires, chairman of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “This is a real testament to the hard work of Council staff and the commitment of our partners since we began to treat the riverside as a park in 2016.

“The Riverside Park is an oasis at the heart of our historic city and this Green Flag is an endorsement of the commitment we have made to making it even more of an appealing location to visit, enjoy and relax in.”

The Riverside Park stretches from Pitchcroft down to Diglis Bridge. The park is owned and managed by the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire County Council, Severn Trent Water, and the Canal and River Trust – as well as the City Council itself.

The news comes after the Riverside Park was refused a Green Flag early in 2018. Worcester City Council then agreed to invest £300,000 for improvements along the riverside in November last year.

This followed an earlier £5m boost for the riverside by charity Sustrans in 2010.

Timothy Booker, Canal and River Trust Area Operations Manager, said: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside our council colleagues in the creation of the Riverside park.

"This fantastic space has so much to offer the footpath traveller. Take a break from the hustle of everyday life and enjoy a walk along the river or the Worcester Canal, where life really is better.” 

The international award scheme recognises parks and green spaces that boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

Cllr Andy Stafford, vice chairman of the City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “The Green Flag awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the city council’s team and of our partners, including the voluntary Friends groups, who strive to maintain the highest standards.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”