RE: 'BOROUGH'S parks flying the flag' (Messenger August 31).
I was astounded to be informed that Walton Park, Sale had “bagged the coveted Green Flag award - the award being a sign that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.”
This statement prompted me to visit the Green Flag website for further information.
This revealed that the award recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces.
In the area of horticultural management. A good Standard would require all horticultural elements to be managed in line with recognised horticultural practice, plants to be in good condition and everywhere clearly looked after.
An excellent standard requires a site to display exemplary horticultural techniques throughout.
In reality Walton Park at present does not display any of the above good or excellent attributes outlined, despite the best efforts of the Friends of the Park.
To me, this undermines the whole credibility of the Green Flag award monitoring system.
What is evident in the park, is the decade long decline in the park's maintenance standards, brought about by cuts to budgets. An ongoing minimalist maintenance regime is in force resulting in the shabby uncared for appearance of bowling greens and other areas of the park.
Dennis Poyner
Sale
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