A Sopwell resident has expressed his dismay after claiming that a much-loved St Albans beauty spot has been allowed to fall into disrepair after being overlooked for Green Flag status.

Peter Wares of the Sopwell Residents Association was disappointed "but not surprised" after the Sopwell Nunnery Open Space was not put forward for Green Flag status this year.

The popular green space received Green Flag status for a decade consecutively, but in the 2024-2029 Greenspace Action Plan, St Albans City and District Council announced it would not be reapplying for the status this year.

Peter believes that since this decision was made, SADC has neglected the site, allowing problems to worsen.

He said: “It is unclear why the council has taken the decision to no longer apply for a Green Flag for the Nunnery when they know it’s one of St Albans’ most popular and attractive green spaces, loved by both those with young families and those walking the river’s trail.”

“Since then I feel there has been a noticeable deterioration in the maintenance and upkeep of the site, with paths becoming increasingly unpleasantly overgrown with nettles this year."

Chris Traill, strategic director of community and place delivery at SADC, said: "The council applies for Green Flags in locations where we believe they have the best chance of being awarded. Our funding is such that we cannot apply for them everywhere.

“Sopwell Nunnery is a special place and the council wants to ensure it is preserved for generations to come. "

Peter is disappointed at the deterioration of the Nunnery.Peter is disappointed at the deterioration of the Nunnery. (Image: Peter Wares)

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Earlier this year, a path under the Alban Way bridge became a safety hazard and had to be closed off to the public.

Peter believes that the council has been unhelpful and have abandoned the Nunnery, and says the local authority promised to signpost an alternative route around the path, only for this to never materialise.

On behalf of SADC, Chris responded: "We are actively looking for funding streams to help deliver our plans, which include a new board walk and repairs to paths among other matters.”

Green Flag status is an international award which recognises the best publicly accessible parks and open spaces.

This year SADC successfully applied to award the status to three sites - Verulamium Park, Clarence Park and Hatfield Road Cemetery.