News

A park in Folkestone has again been officially recognised as one of the best in the country.

At a ceremony in London (17 July) it was announced that the Lower Leas Coastal Park, created from a stretch of neglected undercliff, has again been awarded a Green Flag - national recognition that it is one of the top open spaces in the country and is welcoming, safe, well maintained and involves the local community

The announcement will be followed by an awards ceremony in Liverpool on 24 July and the flag will be raised in the park the following week.

Cllr Alan North, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said he was delighted that the park had again been recognised as one of the country’s best open spaces.

“We were awarded the Green Flag for the first time last year following the completion of the second phase of the park’s redevelopment and it’s great to know that we have continued to maintain our high standards.

“I particularly want to thank the staff who maintain this park to such a high standard and those who had the original vision for its restoration. With half a million visitors coming to the park every year we know it is a hit with residents and visitors alike. We should all be rightly proud of this very beautiful area at the heart of our district.”

As well as spring and summer meadows, formal and informal gardens, an avenue of pines and walkways, the park has amphitheatre with popular programme of summer events and the largest free outdoor adventure playground in the south east for children.

“All of this opens up area to people who would not normally visit such a park and makes it a real attraction for everyone in the area,” said Cllr North.