CUSTODIANS of two parks in Potters Bar are keeping their fingers crossed that their prestigious awards will be retained this year.

Hertsmere Borough Council has now submitted its entries to this year’s Green Flag Award scheme.

Last year, five of the borough’s parks were recognised as quality green spaces, including Parkfield and Oakmere Park in Potters Bar.

For Parkfield, it was the first time the area had won the honour. Oakmere regained its prize, having previously held it every year from 2002 to 2007.

Elsewhere in the borough, Aberford Park in Borehamwood and King George Recreation Ground in Bushey are current Green Flag holders, while Fishers Field Nature Reserve in Bushey was given a Green Pennant Award.

Cllr Jean Heywood, environment portfolio holder with responsibility for parks, said: “We were thrilled to get five awards last year so our fingers are crossed that the judges will be impressed again this year.

“These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our parks officers, ground maintenance team at John O’Conner and friends groups who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the parks are clean, safe and welcoming.

“All five parks offer a wide range of recreational activities to local people of all ages and are free to use.”

Cllr Heywood gave thanks to the respective voluntary groups, including Friends of Potters Bar Parks, who give up their time to make the parks “special places” to visit.

Judges from the award organisers, Keep Britain Tidy, will visit nominated parks in May, with this year’s recipients revealed in July.