WORK pays off for council’s countryside team.

Three Test Valley parks have won a national prize including Romsey’s own Memorial Park.

The Green Flag Award comes from the UK charity Keep Britain Tidy and Romsey’s War Memorial Park, Valley Park and Rooksbury Mill in Andover have all been awarded the prize.

The scheme, which is celebrating 25 years as the international quality mark for parks, announced the 2021 awards last month.

Green spaces in the borough have been particularly important to residents and visitors amidst the pandemic.

Lockdown gave an opportunity for communities to spend more time outdoors in the fresh air, with many wanting to explore new spaces. Green spaces in Test Valley have provided the space to breathe and reset during challenging times and now they have been acknowledged for their management.

Climate change and countryside portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, said: “Access to high quality, diverse open spaces and Nature plays such an important part of our wellbeing, and we are all aware of how fortunate we are to have beautiful green space in which to reflect, exercise, explore, appreciate and be with our friends and family.

“Our parks are a haven not just for us but a home for our local wildlife too. These awards are a testament to officers at the council who work tirelessly to ensure our green spaces are looked after and protected throughout the year, working with nature to release its full potential.”

Portfolio holder for community, leisure and tourism, councillor David Drew, said: “Yet again, green spaces in the borough managed by the council have been acknowledged by Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Awards.

“The borough’s green spaces are truly spectacular. The council prioritises time and funds to ensure that these spaces are carefully maintained.”

For more information about walking routes and parking visit testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure.