Prestigious awards are being entered once again for Tendring’s gardens and open spaces to be recognised for their quality.

Green Flag awards are being submitted again by Tendring District Council (TDC) as the authority looks to keep its awards for four of its managed gardens.

The four sites hoping to retain their Green Flag are Clacton Seafront Gardens; Crescent Gardens, Frinton; Cliff Park, Dovercourt; and Weeley Crematorium Gardens.

The Green Flag Award Scheme is a nationally recognised benchmark for parks and open spaces. Any spaces which are freely open to the public and which have a specific management plan can apply.

They are judged on several criteria including how welcoming they are, tidiness and good maintenance, security, sustainability, and community involvement.

TDC’s open spaces are managed by a team of staff, supported by volunteer groups who give their time in all seasons to keeping the areas looking excellent.

Mick Barry, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said local community support for open spaces was vital.

“Our open spaces and gardens promote a positive area identity and a sense of civic pride, providing spaces bursting with colour, places for people to get active or enjoy mindfulness moments, and restore their sense of wellbeing,” Councillor Barry said.

“We know how valued the work of the Open Spaces and Horticultural team is, not just from feedback we receive as an organisation, but from the lovely and friendly comments made by passers-by to the staff and volunteers as they work.

“The maintenance is of course a team effort, with everyone from the management and administration staff in the office, to those digging and planting all playing an important role. The combination of our paid staff and volunteers produces amazing results – thank you to each and every one of them.

“It is absolutely right this hard work is recognised with Green Flags, and I hope the judges are wowed once again.”

Judging for the Green Flag takes place during early summer with the results announced later that season.

Anyone interested in volunteering to look after a public open space in Tendring can contact Sean Biswell, TDC’s Temporary Community and Volunteer Projects Manager, on 07786 660603 or at seanbiswell@tendringdc.gov.uk.

Find out more about the Green Flag Awards at www.greenflagaward.org.

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