Four borough parks once again hailed as some of best in the world

Gardeners Wayne O’Neill and Charlie Munro, Michael Fishwick, Greenspace officer, volunteer John Broomhead, Gerard Lockett, team leader, Mike Cheers (Parks and Streetscene Area Manager)

Jubilee Park, in Ashton, Pennington Hall Park, in Leigh, and Alexandra Park in Wigan have now claimed the coveted Green Flag status for a remarkable 12 years running.

And Mesnes Park in Wigan has retained the prestigious title for the fifth year in a row after its first application in 2015.

The parks are four of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020. A flag raising ceremony took place in Alexandra Park to celebrate this latest achievement.

Coun Joanne Marshall, lead member for Greener Wigan, said: “Achieving Green Flag status is a reflection on all the hard work that staff, Friends groups and other local volunteers put in to making our parks wonderful places to visit. This year, more than ever, has shown just how important parks are. For physical and mental health. To many, they are a source of leisure and even escapism.

“We are fortunate to have some of the most remarkable green spaces in the region and this award is a credit to everyone who ensures they are fantastic places to visit no matter the time of year.”

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.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton, said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Wigan has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

For more information visit www.wigan.gov.uk/resident/leisure/parks or contact any of the Friends of groups.

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