Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot, has been judged the jewel in the crown of Teignbridge by national judges of the prestigious Green Flag Award Scheme. Winners of the top quality title were announced by Liveability Minister Kay Andrews after a rigorous awards application process. Cllr Gordon Hook, Teignbridge spokesman for the environment and environmental health, was stunned and delighted. He said: 'Decoy Country Park is simply a fabulous local asset, increasingly appreciated by all. Teignbridge's recent £400k investment has produced a state-of-the-art play area, and every visit I make illustrates just how popular it has become. It is pleasing to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves so much, and gaining this award demonstrates Teignbridge's commitment to environmental issues and to clean, green open spaces. 'The park's unique positioning near the centre of a busy town, yet providing a large open space for a variety of leisure time pursuits makes it a jewel in the crown indeed.' Two judges visited the site in June and were impressed by its popularity as a leisure space. Supported by overwhelming evidence that the park also supports a variety of wildlife as a nature reserve there was little doubt it was worthy of the top recognition. A record 423 Green Flags have been awarded to sites across the country this year.
