​Bury’s parks named as among the best in Britain

All 12 of Bury’s main parks have won the prestigious Green Flag Award for the sixth year running.

The national award, from Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Bury’s green dozen are: Close Park, Openshaw Park, Hoyles Park, Clarence Park, Whitehead Park, Whitefield Park, Bolton Road Park, St Mary’s Park, Town Meadow Park, Nuttall Park, Manchester Road Park, and Burrs Country Park.

Councillor Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for environment, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our parks have received a Green Flag Award for sixth time in a row from Keep Britain Tidy.

“It shows that people in Bury are benefitting from high quality green spaces, thanks to the efforts of our parks and countryside service and grounds maintenance.

“Partnership working is also vital, and a big thank you must go to the many volunteers and community groups who have helped to make the borough such an attractive place.”

A range of factors have contributed to Bury’s ongoing Green Flag success:

* Self-management of bowling and football pitches and the voluntary groups involved who do stunning work to keep their sites running

* The Adult Care Day Care Services “The Green” cafe at Clarence Park has increased use and the attractiveness of the park, as has “The Welly” Cafe at Manchester Road Park as well as increased volunteers who work on the bowling green & in the park

* The Friends of Nuttall Park are doing a fantastic job of keeping the community base going with a view to self-management

* The friends of Close Park have done a brilliant job with the Radcliffe Tower, an adjacent historical site and Close Park. The Bury Voluntary Ranger Service has carried out some essential and environmentally friendly work on the Tower, as well as at other sites across the borough

* Excellent volunteers look after some of the beds in Openshaw Park to give a good show every year

* Bury Croquet Club has been very impressive in refurbishing the former bowling green, now a croquet lawn, at Whitehead Park

* Incredible Edible groups across the Borough have done exceptional work in introducing fruit and veg beds

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 27 July 2015.