Seven of Pendle’s parks can fly the Green Flag – which honours their attraction – for another year following this week’s announcement of the national award winners.
Pendle Council is celebrating all the Green Flag Awards for the parks:
l Marsden Park, Nelson, and Memorial Park, Barrowford, which have won the award for the fifth consecutive year.
l Heyhead Park, Brierfield, Barnoldswick’s Valley Gardens, Colne’s Alkincoats Park and Victoria Park, Nelson, which have retained the Green Flag for the fourth year.
l And Nelson’s Walverden Park, which will be flying the Green Flag for a third year.
The awards recognise quality parks and green spaces across the UK that are safe and welcoming.
Coun. Nadeem Ahmed, Executive member for parks and recreation, said: “Retaining these Green Flag awards means so much to us. It’s an endorsement of the good quality, safe and welcoming parks we have in Pendle.
“Staff in our parks department, together with the Friends of Parks groups, work hard all year round to make sure our parks are cared for and offer a good range of events and features for local people.
“I’d like to congratulate each and every one of them on their role in retaining these seven Green Flags.”
It’s awarded every year to parks that meet strict assessment criteria.
Judges visited Pendle’s parks in late spring and judged them on eight criteria: a welcoming place; healthy, safe and secure; clean and well maintained; sustainability; conservation and heritage; Community involvement; marketing; and management.
Mr Kieron Roberts, principal development officer of Pendle parks, said: “In a climate where budgets are shrinking, it’s pleasing that an external organisation has recognised how we’re continuing to provide parks that meet their strict awards criteria.
“Our staff work hard to maintain high standards in our parks and take pride in all that they do.”
And Communities Minister Andrew Stunell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a variety of ways.
“They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages, and the Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all.
“Well done to all those involved in creating these inspirational places for everyone to enjoy.”
