Green Flag to fly over Hare Hill Park Littleborough

Hare Hill Park in Littleborough becomes the first park in Rochdale borough to be awarded the prestigious Green Flag next month.

Judges visited the park earlier last month to inspect the great improvements that have been made in the park over several years. They saw for themselves improved pathways and better signage. The centerpiece of the park is once again the restored Edwardian bandstand, which plays host to musical entertainment throughout the year.

And the improvements do not stop with the award of Green Flag status. Plans are being made to improve car parking and restore the water wheel feature to working order.

Green Flag status is awarded to areas of public open space that have demonstrated high standards of care, maintenance, and regard to public safety. Strong support from the public is also vital.

Lead Member for Environment amp; Sustainability, Councillor Wera Hobhouse said: "The award of Green Flag to Hare Hill Park is a credit to the dedication of Council staff and members and not least the Friends of Hare Hill Park. They have worked tirelessly to make the park a place that all the local community can enjoy."

Chair of Pennines Township, Councillor Jean Ashworth added: "I am really proud that Hare Hill Park should be the first in the borough to gain the Green Flag. It is known as the 'Jewel of the Pennines', and I'm sure that this recognition will encourage local people to make the most of their park and all it has to offer."

Funding for the restoration of Hare Hill Park came from the National Lottery Fair Shares scheme, with match funding from Rochdale Council. In total more than £360,000 has been invested in the park.

Once awarded, the Green Flag needs to be renewed annually, ensuring that the high quality of facilities is maintained and a programme of constant improvement is in place.

The award of Green Flag status for Hare Hill Park is expected to be the first of several across Rochdale borough. Queen's Park in Heywood and Broadfield Park in Rochdale have both enjoyed substantial lottery-funded restoration, and could be put forward for the next awards.

It is hoped that with appropriate funding Jubilee Park in Middleton, Milnrow Memorial Park and the area around The Esplanade in Rochdale town centre could all be put forward in the near future.