A GREEN Flag marking environmental excellence has been awarded to Blenheim Gardens, in Minehead, for a fifth consecutive year.

The award comes just weeks since Minehead Town Council took ownership of the Edwardian park and other local green spaces from Somerset Council.

Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Blenheim Gardens has received the prestigious Green Flag Award under our stewardship.

“It reflects the dedication of our team and local volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve the beauty, safety, and accessibility of this much-loved space.

“This award is a strong endorsement of our commitment to enhancing local green spaces for residents and visitors alike.”

Cllr Palmer said achieving the Green Flag quality mark this year was of particular importance as it was the first recognition of Blenheim Gardens since the town council took ownership on May 1.

He said the award highlighted the council’s early success in managing and enhancing one of the town’s most cherished green spaces.

Cllr Palmer said news that Blenheim Gardens met the standards required for Green Flag accreditation was testament to the hard work and dedication of the team who cared for the green space so visitors and residents alike could enjoy it.

The centenary of the six-acre Blenheim Gardens was marked in March with Cllr Palmer planting a tulip tree.

Cllr Palmer said town councillors were committed to funding both the Green Flag entry and the floral displays in Minehead during the summer months to help maintain highly-valued community assets giving a balance of colour and tranquillity for residents and visitors alike.

Green Flag award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “Congratulations to everybody involved in Blenheim Gardens who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Quality parks and green spaces like Blenheim Gardens make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, Blenheim Gardens is a vital green space for the community of Minehead to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise.

“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

Blenheim Gardens is one of 2,250 sites in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The Green Flag scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under a licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and open spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world.

The achievement also came during a busy week for the town, as Minehead prepared to welcome Britain in Bloom judges.

Cllr Palmer said with last year’s ‘Gold Award’ still fresh in the mind, the town was once again hoping to impress with its vibrant displays, community spirit, and dedication to horticultural excellence.