Delight as park keeps its 'flag' status

Highdown was the first of the county's open spaces to be given Green Flag status in 2001.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Paul High said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have retained the Green Flag again. It is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all the staff involves in the management and maintenance of Highdown."

Head of Parks, Chris Bradley said: "This is great news and it is excellent that we have managed to maintain such a high standard. A lot of work goes into our open spaces and Highdown Gardens is one of the jewels in Worthing's crown. A lot of hard work has been done and we hope that we continue to meet the high standards in the future."

The unique chalk garden was the work of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who spent 50 years proving that plants would grown on chalk. The gardens were created out of a chalk pit overlooking the Downs where there was little soil and very unfavourable conditions for plant growth.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette August 25.