Prestigious Green Flag award for recently restored Victorian cemetery in Wrexham

A newly restored Victorian cemetery in Wrexham has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award.

Wrexham Cemetery, located on Ruabon Road, is among 201 sites across Wales to be awarded a Keep Wales Tidy Green Flag – the international mark of a quality park or green space.

It is the first year the award has gone to the cemetery, marking the end of almost two years of works restoring the Grade II listed Victorian site.

In 2014 it was announced that Wrexham Council had been successful in its bid for a National Lottery grant (through the Heritage Lottery Fund), with a total of £1.5 million spent to conserve the listed buildings, refurbish the listed fencing and entrances; along with research and displaying the history of the site.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “I welcome the news that Wrexham once again has green flag status and would like to thank everybody involved in ensuring that our parks remain attractive for the public to visit.

“Congratulations to all those sites taking the Green Flag Community Award as well – it’s an excellent commendation.

“I am particularly pleased that Wrexham Cemetery has gained its first Green Flag Award, a real achievement by the staff and Friends Group for the cemetery.”

Other sites awarded green flags across Wrexham include Acton Park, Alyn Waters Country Park, Bellevue Park, Ponciau Banks Park and Tŷ Mawr Country Park in recognition of their excellent facilities and commitment to delivering great quality green space.

A further three sites – Plas Pentwyn in Coedpoeth, Maes y Pant at Marford Quarry and St Mary’s Churchyard in Chirk – also received the coveted Community Green Flag Award; an award for public spaces maintained by organisations such as churches, schools, community groups and others.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards in Wales.

“The 201 flags flying are a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers across the country who work tirelessly to maintain Green Flag Award standards.

“I’d encourage everyone to get outdoors this summer and enjoy the incredible parks and green spaces we have on our doorstep.”