DERBY'S Arboretum park has been given a prestigious award for the third year in a row as work continues to improve safety within its grounds.

When the park first gained Green Flag Award status in August 2008, it came a month after six attacks in the area.

The awards recognise the best parks in the country and look at whether they are welcoming, healthy, safe, clean and well-maintained.

Alan Ford, whose son was injured after being attacked by a gang of youths at Arboretum, had previously said he was disgusted and bewildered at how Arboretum could scoop the award.

But yesterday he said he had not heard of any trouble at the park for some months.

And people visiting the park said the hat-trick of awards was thoroughly deserved.

Arboretum is one of seven parks across Derbyshire which has been granted Green Flag Award status this year.

A spokeswoman from Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the awards, said the park had "helped build community spirit."

In October 2008, police started using head-mounted cameras to gather evidence against thugs using the park.

And the city council repaired the park's network of 13 CCTV security cameras while taking on three new rangers to patrol the area.

In June 2009 new powers were introduced giving police the power to disperse drinkers on the park within 24 hours.

Timothy Cobb, 27, of St Giles' Road, was one of several visitors to Arboretum yesterday.

He said the park felt much safer.

Mr Cobb said: "I used to walk through at night and I felt very unsafe. Better lighting has definitely made an improvement."

And Ahmed Salaad, 36, of Silver Hill Road, said the park was "no longer full of drinkers".

He said: "There have been improvements, absolutely. Last summer I used to walk through here in the early evening and it used to be full of drinkers. Since they have introduced the changes the use of alcohol in the park has stopped."

The other parks to get Green Flag Award Status were Belper Parks; Crossley Park, Ripley; Shipley Country Park, Shipley; Hall Leys Park, Matlock; Maurice Lea Memorial Park, Swadlincote; and Rosliston Forestry, Swadlincote.

Councillor Janet Goodison, Derbyshire Dales District Council's community and environment committee chairwoman, said the award for Hall Leys was testament to the work of parks employees.

She said: "Our parks staff work very hard throughout the year to ensure these fabulous facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed both by local people and visitors to the Dales."