Green flag award hat-trick for Grand Western Canal (From This is The West Country)

Green flag award hat-trick for Grand Western Canal

10:48am Wednesday 27th July 2011 in Devon

THE Grand Western Canal and Country Park has picked up the Green Flag award for the third year running.

The popular canal, which is managed by Devon County Council, has been presented with the award for high standards of management and maintenance including safety, cleanliness, sustainable management practices, wildlife and heritage conservation and community involvement.

Cllr Des Hannon, chairman of the canal’s joint advisory group, said: “The Green Flag is a well-earned stamp of excellent quality.

“Any visitor to the canal can see what glorious condition it's in these days.

“The towpath is easy to use, there's better access than ever before and it's just as beautiful as ever.

“Visitors deserve credit as many improvements result from their feedback.

“Top marks go to our ranger team. They're cherishing Mid Devon's greatest leisure and tourism asset better than ever.”

The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country and is judged either by formal judging visits or ‘mystery shopper’ visits.

Following two successful years of formal judging, this year the canal was assessed by a ‘mystery shopper’ judge, and passed with flying colours.

Cllr Roger Croad, county cabinet member for the environment, said: “The Green Flag award is a benchmark of excellence for public parks, so I am delighted that we are able to fly it at the canal for third year running.

“It is a great achievement, and reflects the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who manage the site to such a high standard for everyone to enjoy.”