Green Flag volunteers recognised by minister

More than 60 volunteers continue to preserve the area around Myton Pool, off Bennett Avenue, Warwick, and over the past 12 months have created a wildflower meadow.

John Grant, Celia Hardiman and Peter Nicholas are among 12 directors of what has developed into a charitable trust preserving the pool which is the home to kingfishers and four species of bats.

Mr Grant said: “The pool is some 80 metres wide by 20 metres long and we originally cleaned it with the help of a lottery grant plus funding from Biffa and the King Henry Vlll charity.

“We are now a registered charity with some 40 families involved in maintaining the condition of the area and holding regular meetings to tackle jobs such as litter picking, when necessary.”

The Green Flag scheme is managed by a consortium of groups made up of not only Keep Britain Tidy but The Conservation Volunteers and Green Space who together have identified a record 1,424 sites in the UK.

Communities minister Andrew Stunnell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a variety of ways.

“The many excellent stories coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with professionals in our green spaces.

“Well done to all those involved in creating these inspirational places for everyone to enjoy.”