View Service Standards for Green Flag Parks

Grass Areas

• Formal Parks - Grass cutting will be carried out weekly with clippings being collected.
• Public Open Spaces and Verges - Grass will be mown on a 2/3-week cycle depending on seasonal demand and the rate of grass growth. All clippings are flown.
• Conservation Areas - Grass or meadow areas will be cut in accordance with site management plans to achieve either summer or spring flowering meadows.
• Naturalised Bulb Areas - naturalised bulb areas will be cut after the leaves from the bulbs have died back usually in June/July.
• Clippings which fall on hard surfaces will be blown back onto grassed areas within that days cutting schedule.
• Large items of rubbish will be picked prior to mowing operation.

Shrubs

• Shrub pruning will be carried out in accordance with good horticultural practice, dependant on species or to achieve good health and safety standards.
• Borders will be kept generally weed free, usually with the application of weed suppressing mulches.
• Replanting of shrubs will be carried out as necessary.

Roses

• Roses will be planted to provide a colourful and visually interesting display throughout the summer months.
• Borders will be kept generally weed free, usually with the application of weed suppressing mulches.
• Replanting of roses will be carried out as necessary.

Spring and Summer Bedding

• Bedding plants will be planted twice yearly in June and October to provide a colourful and visually interesting floral display in the gardens in the spring and summer seasons.   
• The beds will be maintained weed free. 

Hedges

Hedges will be cut to a neat and tidy appearance, at intervals suitable to the hedge species, desired look or function. 

Litter and Dog Waste Bins

Litter will be cleared in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Street Services Cleansing Plan 2007-10.

Bins will be provided for litter, dog waste and recycling 

Bins will be emptied as required depending on individual site demands and designated zoning, normally on a daily basis.

Bins will be maintained in a cleaned condition

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes.

Graffiti

Offensive and obscene graffiti will be removed as a matter of urgency, usually within 24 hours

General graffiti will be removed as soon as it is reasonably practical

Children's Playgrounds

Playgrounds and equipment will be inspected visually at least once per week for signs of damage or wear, by trained staff

All play equipment will be inspected physically quarterly and annually by a qualified inspector

All hard surfaces will be swept as required to keep clear of glass and litter
We will replace parts such as chains, swing seats, nuts and bolts, etc as required

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs, with equipment being immobilised if required to ensure public safety. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes.

Trees

Inspections for safety and management purposes will be carried out on a regular basis

Tree works identified from inspections will be carried out in accordance with good Arboricultural practice

Trees that have had to be removed due to death or safety reasons will be replaced with new tree planting.

Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces will be kept generally clear of leaf litter and debris as required.

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes.

Water Features

Ponds will be maintained in a clean and if practical, clear condition, free from algae

Aquatic plants, water pumps, filter systems, fountains and other pond features will be regularly maintained in accordance with good practice.

Fish stock will be maintained in a healthy condition. 

Paddling Pools

Water quality will be maintained in accordance with ISRM and ISPAL recommendations, and any other statutory requirements

Glass and other contaminants will be removed immediately, which may require the closure of the facility and subsequent draining of the water

All plant and equipment will be maintained in accordance with manufactures recommendations.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities to be provided in accordance with the recognised season of use
All surfaces will be maintained to a safe standard of play, for the appropriate sport, and clearly marked out in accordance with relevant governing bodies

Specifications.

Sports furniture will be inspected and maintained on a regular basis and prior to the start of the relevant season

Reinstatement of facilities will be carried out during the closed season for the appropriate sport. 

Seats, Benches and Picnic Tables

Seats, benches and picnic tables will be maintained in a clean and safe condition with an application of a suitable protective coating on a regular basis

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes. 

Drainage

All gullies and drainage systems will be cleared at regular intervals to provide effective surface water collection and discharge.

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes.

Signage

All signs and notice boards will be maintained in a clean, safe and legible condition.

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes.

Fencing

All fencing, gates, barriers and handrails will be maintained in a cleaned and safe condition.

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes

Bridges

All decked surfaces will be kept safe and clear of leaf litter and debris as required.

All handrails will be maintained in a clean and safe condition

All bridges will be inspected annually by an external specialist contractor.

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes

Buildings

To maintain all building structure, fabric and services in a safe, clean and functional condition.

To comply with statutory legislation

To carry out and maintain regular asset management surveys

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes

Lighting

To maintain all lighting features in a safe and working condition

All hazardous defects will be made safe or repaired within 24 Hrs. All other defects will be covered within routine maintenance programmes.