Welsh Council Faces Backlash Following Withdrawal from Green Flag Parks Scheme
The Vale of Glamorgan Council in Wales has come under fire for its decision to pull out of the Green Flag park status scheme, raising concerns about the maintenance of its green spaces. The council, previously known for its award-winning parks, opted to withdraw from the scheme in 2024 as part of cost-cutting measures. Despite criticism and calls to reconsider, the council has maintained its stance on the issue, insisting that the parks are still well maintained and offer valuable amenities to the community.
The Conservative group leader at the council, Cllr George Carroll, expressed his lack of surprise at the decision, labelling the Labour administration as “out of touch”. He specifically criticised the approval of an aqua park at Cosmeston Lake this summer, further igniting the debate on the council’s approach to green spaces. On the other hand, Vale of Glamorgan Council’s leader, Cllr Lis Burnett, emphasised the importance of parks and green spaces to residents and assured that they are being maintained to high standards.
The council’s withdrawal from the Green Flag scheme led to the removal of the prestigious status from all eight council parks, including well-known locations like Alexandra Park, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, and Porthkerry Country Park. This decision allowed the council to save £140,000 as revealed in a document published in March 2025. Additionally, the council passed several other proposals in its 2025/26 budget, such as reducing street cleansing and removing litter bins, in a bid to save £8.77m.
In a bid to generate income, the council announced plans to collaborate with the Aqua Park Group to introduce an aqua park with inflatable slides and climbing frames at Cosmeston Lake from May to September 2025. Despite the potential financial benefits, the move has faced opposition from thousands of concerned individuals, with over 3,500 signatures on a petition against the aqua park. Critics argue that the development is unsuitable for the location and could harm the natural environment of Cosmeston Lake.
Regarding the Green Flag park status issue, Cllr Mark Wilson, the cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, defended the council’s decision, citing the need for cost-saving measures. He emphasised that while the council no longer participates in the Green Flag scheme, the parks are still well-maintained and offer significant value to residents and visitors. The council remains focused on engaging with local communities to ensure that green and blue spaces are managed according to their preferences.
As the debate surrounding the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s approach to green spaces continues, residents and stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments. The council’s commitment to maintaining the parks to a high standard while exploring opportunities for generating income has raised questions about the balance between financial sustainability and environmental conservation. With the future of the council’s green spaces hanging in the balance, the importance of community engagement and transparent decision-making has never been more crucial.
Through these ongoing discussions, it is hoped that a collaborative and sustainable solution can be reached to preserve the natural beauty and recreational value of the Vale of Glamorgan’s green spaces for current and future generations.