Eight local parks awarded Green Flag status

Path at Truffet Park in Langley

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Eight local parks have been awarded Green Flag status: Truffet Park in Langley, Boarshaw/Middleton Cemetery, Queen’s Park in Heywood, Broadfield Park, Packer Spout and Rochdale Memorial Gardens, Hare Hill Park in Littleborough and Milnrow Memorial Park.

The award, handed out by environmental charity 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.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Cabinet member for Housing and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for eight of our parks from Keep Britain Tidy and I’d like to say a big thank you to all the Friends’ groups, volunteers and dedicated staff for all their hard work.”

“This Award recognises and highlights that people in Rochdale borough are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.”

Chairman of Heywood’s Friends of Queens Park Walter Lomax said: “The awarding of the green flag should be put down to the dedicated work of the gardeners and other parks staff in these trying financial times.”

David Nelson, Chairman of Friends of Boarshaw Cemetery in Middleton, said: “Well done everybody. The Friends was formed six years ago and along with the Council has achieved the honour of Green Flag status for the past five years.”

Neta Smart, Chairwoman of the Friends of Broadfield Park in Rochdale, said: “We are delighted that yet again, along with Packer Spout and The Memorial Gardens, we have received the Green Flag award. This is particularly pleasing in view of the national budget cuts all councils are experiencing. We hope this will encourage more people to visit our lovely town centre park.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”