29 July 2010: Green Flags at the dozen.
The Green Flag is now flying proudly over every single one of Bury’s main parks.
In the national awards, Bury retained all 11 of its existing Green Flags – and also notched up a 12th, Hoyles Park in East Bury, at the first attempt. This is one of the highest success ratios in the country.
Councillor Dorothy Gunther, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Completing the dozen is an outstanding achievement for Bury. Our award-winning parks are an asset to local people and visitors, offering quality open space where they can relax, exercise and play. They are a credit to the council staff and community volunteers involved in developing and maintaining them who should be very proud of their continued success.”
Bury’s 12 Green Flag parks are:
• Hoyles Park in Bury East;
• Openshaw Park in Bury East;
• Clarence Park in Bury East;
• Manchester Road Park in Bury East;
• Burrs Country Park in Bury West;
• Whitehead Park in Bury West;
• Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom;
• Town Meadow Park in Tottington;
• Whitefield Park in Whitefield;
• St Mary’s Park in Prestwich;
• Close Park in Radcliffe; and
• Bolton Road Park in Radcliffe.
Neil Long, assistant director (leisure services), said: “I am delighted that all 12 parks submitted for the national Green Flag standard have been successful. This is a superb result achieved through significant teamwork between local community groups, volunteers, gardeners, rangers, parks and countryside staff, cleansing teams, and many others. Thanks to the council’s wide-ranging “cleaner, safer, greener” initiative, the quality of Bury’s parks is something for us all to enjoy and be proud of.”
Throughout the summer holidays a wide range of events will be ongoing in parks. Logon to www.bury.gov.uk/bury/events to find out more or pick up ‘What’s on in Bury news and events’ available from Bury Tourist Information Centre or Millgate customer service desk.
There’s still time to vote for your favourite Green Flag park. The competition is run by the Green Flag award organisers, and the park that picks up the most votes will win a special People’s Choice award. To place your vote, go to http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag/GetInvolved/VoteForBestGreenFlagAwardSite/Default.aspx