Councillors have agreed plans to increase the numbers of Green Flag parks in the county borough.
Caerphilly County Borough currently has Green Flags in Morgan Jones Park, in Caerphilly, Waunfawr Park in Crosskeys, and Nelson Wern Park. The Green Flag is a national award scheme which recognises the best green spaces in the country.
On Tuesday, members of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet agreed that council staff should continue work maintaining those Green Flags as well as working towards getting them for Ystrad Mynach and Bargoed parks.
A report presented at the meeting read: “At Bargoed works are continuing to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities but due to financial pressures have progressed at a slower pace then originally planned.
“Due to recent changes in staff, developments in staff skills and capacity together with closer working with user groups and other suitable partner organisations the service is now in a better position to progress the development at Bargoed Park.
“Achieving Green Flag status at Bargoed Park would provide an excellent link to the current regeneration agenda for the town. The park has an excellent range of facilities available to the local community in terms of play and sports activities and areas of conservation and flora.”
For Ystrad Mynach Park, according to the report, the main hurdle in getting a Green Flag is the lack of toilet facilities.
Caerphilly’s Morgan Jones Park was the first in the county borough to get a Green Flag when it was granted one in 2004. This was followed by Waunfawr in 2009 and Wern Park in 2010.
The 2011 Caerphilly household survey showed that urban parks had 83% public satisfaction against satisfaction rates of 96% for countryside parks, 97% Llancaiach Fawr and 96% for the Winding House in New Tredegar.
Ystrad Mynach ward councillor Martyn James said: “There is a great opportunity to complement plans for new sports facilities on the former hospital site with a recognised national Green Flag Award for the park.
“Public toilets will also need to be provided to meet the criteria and community involvement is key, and that is something as ward councillors we’re keen to see happen.”
Fellow ward councillor Alan Angel said: “Despite the tough financial situation faced by local authorities, it is important that we continue to provide high quality parks.
“Green spaces are so important, particularly in urban areas, and we’ll be working to ensure we meet the standards needed to achieve the award.”
Bargoed Plaid campaigner Ken Houston said: “Bargoed Park has an excellent range of facilities available to local people in terms of play, sports and conservation.
“Green Flag status would also fit in well with the current multi-million pound regeneration spearheaded by the Plaid-led council.”