Keep Britain Tidy has announced that more parks and green spaces are flying the Green Flag Award this year - more than 1,600 across the UK. Within Epsom & Ewell, all four spaces put forward by the Borough Council have achieved green flag status. 

Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, Ewell Court Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground and Rosebery Park are among a record breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces that received the prestigious Green Flag Award - the mark of a quality park or green space. 

The Award, now celebrating its 20th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. 

The four green spaces that were put forward for judging for the award were selected as they are broadly representative of the different green spaces in Epsom & Ewell:

• Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve has won the award for the tenth consecutive year. It is the largest local nature reserve in Surrey and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
• Ewell Court Park has won the award for the fifth year in a row. The park is the former gardens of the historical Ewell Court House.
• Alexandra Recreation Ground has also won the award for the fifth year in a row. It is a sports ground situated in Alexander Road.
• Rosebery Park has won the award for the fourth time this year. It is a formal town centre park. 

Councillor Barry Nash, Chairman of the Council's Community and Wellbeing Committee said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Green Flag Award for four of our green spaces this year. One of our key priorities in our new Corporate Plan is ‘keeping our Borough clean and green’ and this Award recognises and highlights that people who live, work and visit Epsom & Ewell are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality. 

“We're very proud of all the Borough's fantastic parks and green spaces and these awards are a great endorsement of the work of Council staff and the dedicated team of volunteers, who work all year round, rain and shine, to help make these green spaces attractive and accessible for all to enjoy." 

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Awards. 

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.” 

The Awards are judged by an army of more than 700 green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement. 

For more information on the Green Flag Awards visit http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/ 

For more information on the Borough's parks and green spaces visit the Leisure section at

http://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/EEBC/