Keeping the green flag flying

23 Nov 2020 02:30
Published by: Scott Callan

 

BURY’S main dozen parks are flying the Green Flag after more than a decade of winning the national honour.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the UK and around the world.

Bury’s dozen were among more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award in 2020.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers involved that, despite this year’s challenges and record numbers of visitors, Bury has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag award at all 12 main parks across the borough.”

Alan Quinn, Bury Council cabinet member for the environment, said: “It’s an amazing achievement, despite ten years of austerity, for Bury’s parks to maintain this quality standard for over a decade, particularly this year when we have been faced with the challenge of the Covid pandemic.

“This is a tribute to the fantastic efforts of our parks and countryside and grounds maintenance teams, and also to the many volunteers, friends of parks groups, community and environmental groups, self-managed clubs and associations who continue to work so hard to help keep the borough such a vibrant, attractive and active place for everyone.

“Parks are at the heart of where we live, helping to make our lives happier and healthier, so it’s no surprise that our communities have needed their parks more than ever during coronavirus.”

The 12 parks are:

·         Burrs Country Park, Clarence Park, Close Park, Nuttall Park, Openshaw Park, St Mary’s Park, Whitefield Park and Whitehead Park, which have won for the 16th year in a row

·         Manchester Road and Town Meadow parks, flying the flag for the 15th year in a row

·         Bolton Road Park raises the flag for winning 14 years in a row

·         Hoyles Park for the 11th year

 

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