Chorley parks retain Green Flag accolade (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley parks retain Green Flag accolade

3:15pm Thursday 29th July 2010

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Green flags will be proudly flying at three of Chorley’s most popular parks for another year after being judged to be among some of the best open spaces in the country.

The three parks were honoured after the hard work of volunteers, residents’ groups and the council was rewarded with the borough retaining all three of its green flags.

Yarrow Valley Country Park has achieved green flag status for the fifth year in a row, while Withnell Local Nature Reserve and Tatton Recreation Ground are winners for a second time.

Councillor John Walker, Chorley Council’s Executive Member (People), said: “We have some fabulous parks and open spaces for people to enjoy in Chorley and I’m delighted all three places have retained their green flags.

“It’s testament to the hard work of the council staff as well as the volunteers and residents who do so much to make sure we have beauty spots to be proud of.”

Green Flag Awards, first launched in 1996 by a group of people who were passionate about green spaces, recognise and reward the best parks in the country and the three areas in Chorley stood out after impressing the judges with their excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

Paul Todd, Manager of the Green Flag Award Scheme, said: “The staff running the parks work very hard throughout the year to ensure their facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed by the entire community.

“As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance.”

The applications for the Green Flag Awards are judged against eight criteria: a welcoming place; healthy, safe and secure; clean and well maintained; sustainability; conservation and heritage; community involvement; marketing; and management.

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