Greening up! North Solihull parks scoop national award

THREE parks and public spaces in North Solihull have once again received the coveted Green Flag Award.
Babbs Mill, Meriden Park and Woodlands Cemetery were among the 16 sites across the borough which made the grade this year.
All three sites have secured the award before but still needed to prove they were meeting all the criteria in order to stay on the list in 2019.
The full list of winners was officially announced at Northampton's Guild Hall last week.
Coun Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for the environment and highways, hailed the fresh round of success.
"I’m tremendously proud of all the staff and voluntary groups who have worked so hard to make this possible," he said.
This year Solihull's tally is one better than 2018, with Damson Lane Park, in Elmdon, the latest addition.
The Green Flag scheme is overseen by Keep Britain Tidy and the list is refreshed every summer.
In order to secure the status, judges have to be satisfied that a park is up to standard when it comes to cleanliness, welcoming visitors and the facilities on offer.
Around 1,900 sites around the UK received a Green Flag this year, some 100 more than 12 months ago.