The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar presented a report, in order to advise the Joint Committee on Coychurch Crematorium’s successful application for a Green Flag Award in 2022.

By way of background, she explained that the Green Flag Award is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. It was launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country. The first national award was introduced in 1997 and it continues to identify the high standards against which parks and green spaces are measured. It is also seen as a way of encouraging organisations to achieve high environmental standards, setting a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.

Coychurch Crematorium received its first award in 2010 and annually thereafter to the present date.

A re-submission for the Green Flag Award was made in January 2022 and awards were announced on 11th July 2022, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar confirmed.

The Crematorium had once again been successful in securing this nationally recognised award for the standards of care and maintenance of the site and grounds. The award confirms the commitment to maintaining high standards, which can be appreciated by all visitors.

She was pleased to say therefore, that Coychurch is flying its Green Flag for the thirteenth year in succession.

The Chairperson of the Coychurch Crematorium Joint Committee and the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar normally collect the Green Flag Award at a ceremony but the Green Flag Award organisers will not hold an award ceremony this year. Instead, the Green Flag and certificate will be delivered directly to Coychurch Crematorium.

On 27 July 2022 Bridgend County Borough Council issued a press release to advise the public of the Green Flag Award successes, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to the report.

The award requires an annual application and a further submission will be made in January 2023, concluded the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar.

RESOLVED:                                  That the Joint Committee noted the report with pleasure and congratulated the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar and her staff for once more achieving this award.