MARY Stevens Park has been recognised as one of the best green spaces in the country after being honoured with a special Green Flag award.

As well as being named among seven other borough parks and allotments as Green Flag recipients, the Norton venue – which recently had £3.1m of Heritage Lottery Fund money ploughed into its renovation – has been chosen as a ‘Green Heritage Site'.

Debbie Merrick, senior park ranger, said: “The award recognises that we are aware of the heritage value of the site and shows that we are communicating our history to the public.

“We are having more information boards installed around the park, as well as producing a book and starting audio tours to show off its history.”

A panel of judges visited the park earlier this year to decide if the park was worthy of the prestigious title.

Debbie added: “We were very much hoping we would get it, but the judges came just after we completed the major work.

“There were still bits of the park that were bare and a couple of workmen were still here, so we weren’t quite finished, but the judges saw how good the park is looking.

“It is so busy here and I think this award will be brilliant for the area as it gives the park the recognition it deserves.”

Among the borough parks to receive a Green Flag award were Wollescote Park, Huntingtree Park and The Leasowes in Halesowen, and Dudley’s Buffery Park and Wrens Nest Nature Reserve.

Abbey Road Allotments in Halesowen was the first allotment in the borough to achieve the prestigious status, while Dudley’s Priory Park was also recognised as a Green Heritage site.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environment and culture said: “Our borough is blessed with a number of beautiful green spaces and I am delighted that the hard work of our teams and members of the local community is being recognised with this prestigious status.

“We are particularly excited about the Green Heritage awards, which recognise the drive to preserve and celebrate our unique history.”

For more information on Dudley Council’s parks and green spaces visit www.dudley.gov.uk or call the park’s team on 01384 815589.