Newtownabbey parks and cemeteries have scored full marks in the prestigious Green Flag Awards.

For the first time ever, Newtownabbey Borough Council entered two of its green spaces for the national award competition and both succeeded in achieving the excellence mark. The two areas to achieve the status are Mossley Park and Mallusk Cemetery.

The Mayor, Alderman Victor Robinson commented:

“The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out and I congratulate the Council’s park and cemeteries staff and the local community who have come together to achieve this success. Not only is the Green Flag a prestigious award it is also a great example of civic achievement and provides communities with a fantastic sense of civic pride.  We can hopefully build on this success in the years to come and raise the standards in all green spaces throughout the Borough.”

The Green Flag Awards scheme was first launched in 1996 to recognise the best green spaces throughout the UK while also  providing national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these places for all to enjoy. The judging is based on a total of eight criteria which includes conservation and heritage, clean and well maintained space and community involvement. 

Flag raising ceremonies will take place in the newly awarded green spaces on Friday 17^th August at 2pm in Mallusk Cemetery and Wednesday 22^nd at 4pm in Mossley Park. Each ceremony will be followed by a celebratory Fun Day including refreshments, face painting, arts and crafts and sporting activities. The Fun day for Mallusk cemetery will be hosted in the Academy Sports Club in Mallusk.