'Excellent' park picks up Green Flag award honour

A PARK in the Lothians has picked up a Green Flag Award to recognise its status as one of the best green spaces in the country.

The Lodge Grounds in North Berwick, East Lothian was honoured with the award on Wednesday after impressing the scheme's judges with its "excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security".

Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to win an award through the scheme, which is run by environmental charities Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace.

East Lothian Provost Sheena Richardson, said: "We are delighted that the Lodge Grounds has received this award which recognises the hard work carried out in recent years by both council staff and enthusiastic and committed local volunteers to provide such a welcoming oasis in North Berwick."

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: "As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance."