ABERGAVENNY’S Castle Meadows has retained the coveted Green Flag Award granted last year by leading environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy.

The much-used green space joins Tintern’s Old Station and Caldicot Castle and Country Park in being among the best parks and green spaces in the nation, maintaining high standards throughout the year.

Castle Meadows is set on the banks of the River Usk and was the location for the 2016 National Eisteddfod.

As well as those sites winning the Green Flag Award, seven locations in Monmouthshire have gained the Green Flag Community Award – this recognises high quality green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups.

Among these groups is the Friends of Bailey Park which meets regularly to weed and maintain a sensory garden. The other locations in the county achieving the Green Flag Community Award are Crick Woodland, Crick Meadow, Crucorney Allotments, Goetre Community Garden, Portskewett’s The Cornfield and Abergavenny’s Laurie Jones Community Orchard.

County Councillor Bob Greenland, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism and leisure said, ‘It’s wonderful news that three of the council’s parks have been recognised as worthy of the Green Flag Award, providing our communities with such highly-rated facilities.

‘Congratulations also go to the seven sites that have won the Green Flag Community Award.

“I am particularly pleased that both awards recognise the effort and role of the volunteers at each site.’