THREE sites in Gillingham have been recognised as some of the country’s best public green spaces.

Gillingham Town Council is celebrating after receiving three Green Flag Awards for sites at The Stour, The Lodden and The Shreen.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Gillingham on achieving three Green Flag Awards.

"The sites in Gillingham are vital green spaces for the community to socialise, enjoy nature, and for children to play safely.

"The sites also provide important opportunities for users to improve their physical and mental health."

Gillingham Mayor, Cllr Roger Weeks, said, “The town council staff and volunteers from the Gillingham Action for Nature Group work tirelessly to ensure that our sites in Gillingham are maintained to the high standards of the Green Flag Award.

"Everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. Thank you”.

Gillingham Town Council Works Manager, Simon Dobie, said, “It is important that our free-to-use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”