Eight city parks get a royal seal of approval (From Worcester News)

Eight city parks get a royal seal of approval

2:30pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in News

EIGHT parks and green spaces across Worcester have been given special protected status to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Campaigners are celebrating after the sites were named among those being granted special recognition under the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

Power Park in St Peter’s; Cherry Orchard nature reserve; Cromwell Crescent Park; Warndon Park, off Shap Drive and Northwick Lido are among those now protected from development.

Offerton Lane nature reserve, Oldbury Road playing fields and Weyburn Close greenery were also successful bidders.

Special plaques will now be placed in the parks signifying their status.

They will not change their name.

Worcester City Council decided to make the bid to the scheme which is led by its patron, Prince William.

The aim of the competition was to create a national network of protected sites to pay tribute to Her Majesty.

The grassroots legacy also ties in with the Olympics, with interest in sport and outdoor activity set to surge this year.

Councillor Roger Knight, cabinet member for cleaner and greener, said: “It is fantastic news that eight Worcester sites have been nominated as Queen Elizabeth II Fields.

“Our city has a truly impressive range of parks and open spaces and this is a great opportunity for us to recognise this in both the British Olympic and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.”

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “I remember hearing about the scheme and sending it on to the city council, saying they should make a bid.

“One of the great things about Worcester is the impressive number of really good parks and open spaces and it’s vital that we protect them.

“It’s brilliant news and a fantastic legacy to take from the year.”

A judging panel from Fields in Trust looked through hundreds of applications nationwide.

Chief executive Alison Moore-Gwyn said: “Physical activity is of obvious importance to the health of our communities and this scheme enables people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of long-term protection for recreational spaces.

“The council has shown how much they value their community and its future.”