FOUNTAIN Fields has been awarded Green Flag status.

The Green Flag award is the benchmark national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces.

The scheme was set up in 1996 to recognise and reward green spaces that met the standards.

Jonathan Williams, Middlewich town council clerk, said: “It is very rare that such a project receives such endorsement on its first accreditation and this news is a ringing endorsement of the planning, collaborative works, community involvement and vision that has helped make such an impact.

“This award is an astonishing achievement for the project, the partners and for the town.”

Fountain Fields, off Queen Street, underwent a significant revamp in 2018, following an extensive consultation carried out by the project team with local residents, to find out what they wanted to see in their park.

The mixed-play and green-space scheme, which takes inspiration from Middlewich’s heritage, includes a new adult gym, redesigned play area, sensory garden and improved footpaths and seating areas.

The work was carried out by the council’s wholly-owned environmental services company Ansa, working with local partners.

Councillor Brian Roberts, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “Our parks and green spaces are some of our best and well-visited assets and so it is a fantastic achievement that two more have achieved Green Flag status, recognising their outstanding attributes.

“The awards recognise the council’s commitment to protecting and improving the environment and to encouraging more residents to be active.

“This recognition also honours those who spend a great deal of time and effort maintaining our parks to these high standards – including our own teams at Cheshire East and the volunteers and community groups across the borough, who take great pride in ensuring our parks remain great places to spend time, relax and have fun.”