News From Millmead – Latest Council Round-up

Published on: 19 Jul, 2017
Updated on: 24 Jul, 2017

Guildford’s parks among the best in the UK

Eight of Guildford’s parks and green spaces have been recognised as being among the best in the UK.

Eight Green Flags have been awarded to parks and public open spaces maintained by Guildford Borough Council.

Green Flags were again awarded to Allen House Grounds, the Castle Grounds, Riverside Nature Reserve, Stoke Park, Sutherland Memorial Park, Guildford Crematorium, Stoke Cemetery and Chilworth Gunpowder Mills.

Chilworth Gunpowder Mills is the latest addition to the list of Green Flag awards received in the borough, and is important in the history and ecology of the Tillingbourne Valley.

The management of Chilworth Gunpowder Mills is strongly supported by numerous volunteers who help to keep the site in good order.

Guildford Borough Council’s parks are among 1,797 UK parks and green spaces receiving a Green Flag award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

Cllr Richard Billington, lead councillor for rural economy, countryside, parks and leisure, said: “I am particularly pleased that Chilworth Gunpowder Mills has been recognised – it’s a real hidden gem. I’d like to thank our parks team, whose hard work all year round keeps our parks and green spaces looking great for everyone to enjoy.”

The Green Flag award is a national scheme run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. It recognises and rewards the very best green spaces, which are assessed according to eight strict criteria. These include sustainability, community involvement, horticultural standards, and cleanliness – setting a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.

For more information on the council’s parks and green spaces visit www.guildford.gov.uk/parksplaygroundsandgreenspaces

A warm welcome to Chinese delegation

Officials from the Chinese city of Dongying received a warm welcome to Guildford at the Guildhall on Monday (July 17).

The Chinese delegation visiting Guildford pictured with the mayor, leader of the council and its managing director.

They were met by the leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Paul Spooner; the Mayor of Guildford, Nigel Manning; and the council’s managing director, James Whiteman.

In his welcoming speech Cllr Spooner said: “With its extraordinary economic growth in recent decades, it is impossible to think about developing new international relationships without thinking about China.

“As China has emerged as a global power, there are new opportunities for partnerships between British and Chinese communities to develop and flourish. There are so many potential mutual benefits in terms of trade, investment and through the exchange of knowledge and ideas.”

He also added: “I look forward to establishing and developing the partnership between Guildford and Dongying and, as it states in the expression of intent that we signed, enhancing the understanding and friendship between our places and people.”

The partnership agreement will seek to promote economic and trade ties and co-operation in aspects of science and technology, energy, culture, tourism, sports, health-care, education and other relevant fields.