Parks and green spaces in west Cheshire have again been presented with national Green Flag awards and throughout September residents can take part in a national vote for their favourite.
The Green Flag Award Scheme, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country. This year it has presented Green Flag Status to Caldy Nature Park, Castle Park, Grosvenor Park, Northwich Woodlands, Stanney Fields Park, Westminster Park and Whitby Park.
Now, the award scheme is asking the nation to have its say and decide which parks and green spaces should receive the People’s Choice Award for being the UK’s favourites.
There is also a Green Flag Community Award section which recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. This year Meadow Park in Ellesmere Port is among the sites achieving the required standards and is included in the national vote.
Members of the Council’s Greenspace team have worked closely with park partners, ‘Friends of’ groups and the Council’s StreetsCare team over the last year at the various sites.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing said: “I am delighted that so many sites throughout Cheshire West have been awarded this high accolade, something I know our Greenspace and StreetCare Teams have worked hard to achieve.
“In many cases they are helped by dedicated local groups, who want to make their open spaces as green, sustainable and enjoyable as possible for all and dedicate a lot of their free time to maintaining the park. Congratulations to everyone at Meadow Park in Ellesmere Port for all their hard work this year – their award is very well deserved.
“Our parks and green spaces are essential for wellbeing and healthy, happy communities. They are very special places where residents can come together to rest, relax, play, exercise and have fun. The People’s Choice award is a chance to show how much your favourite park means to you. If you think your favourite park deserves to be in the Top 10 People’s Choice, please cast your vote.”
To vote go to greenflagaward.org find your park on the winners map (search CH66 4UG) and click the voting button. Keep Britain Tidy is asking voters to encourage others to get involved too through social media, using the hashtag #PeoplesChoice.
The Green Flag Award is judged by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
Voting closes on 30 September, with the top 10 sites being announced on 16 October.
Castle Park, Frodsham
Castle Park, Frodsham
Grosvenor Park, Chester
Meadow Park
Meadow Park owl