SEVEN parks and open spaces in West Somerset and Taunton have been recognised as some of the best in the county.

This years winners of the Green Flag Award Scheme 2021 have now been announced.

In West Somerset, Blenheim Gardens in Minehead received a Green Flag Award for the second year.

Taunton’s Vivary, Victoria and French Weir Parks have retained their Green Flags and Comeytrowe Park, managed jointly by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) and the Friends of Comeytrowe Park, retained its Community Green Flag Award.

And in Wellington, Swains Lane Nature Reserve (managed by the Swains Lane Community Group), retained its Green Flag, and kept a Green Flag Heritage Award too.

The seven SWT sites are among 2,127 parks and green spaces that have received Green Flag Awards.

Cllr Derek Perry, executive member for sports, parks and leisure at SWT, said “I am delighted that we have retained all our awards this year proving that our parks and open spaces boast the highest possible standards.

“SWT appreciates how much these spaces are valued by our residents and visitors, particularly during the last 18 months when they have played a vital role as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

“I would like to thank the council staff and everyone who has worked with us to maintain this international recognition.”

The Green Flag Award Scheme, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises well managed parks and green spaces.

Green Flag Award Scheme manager, Paul Todd, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these parks and green spaces worthy of a Green Flag Award.

“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that they have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and support people to live healthy lives.”