PHYSICAL REGENERATION NEWS BRIEF: Green Flag Award scheme to be expanded

The Green Flag Award scheme, which recognises standards of excellence in public open spaces, is to be expanded by the Government. Tim Pope, ODPM head of public spaces, policy and promotion, said: "The Government is committed to supporting and expanding the scheme. It is still a relatively young scheme but it has grown considerably." He was speaking at the 2003-04 award ceremony in Southend, Essex, when 177 green flags were awarded to parks across the country.