Green Flags raised in Heywood parks

A Green Flag is raised in Hopwood Park

Two parks in Heywood have been awarded Green Flag status.

Retaining its status for the second year running was Hopwood Park, and long-standing Queen’s Park.

The flags were raised by Heywood councillors Susan Emmett, Peter Rush and Ray Dutton, joined by children in Hopwood Park and two Friends of Queen’s Park, Richard and Elizabeth Slater.

Councillor Rush said: “Queen’s Park has had a Green Flag now for around 12 years at least, and they still help keep the prestige up. Lots of hard work has been put into the park with the friends, who still maintain the high standards.

“Hopwood Park has brought one of our open spaces back into recognition, thanks to the hard work of all involved.

“We are very proud of both parks, and I have personally met people who have come some way to visit our parks.”

Last year, the borough's ten green flags were among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that received a Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

In order to qualify, parks and green spaces must be freely accessible to the public and pay attention to sustainability, conservation and heritage.