Preston parks win green flag status

9:40pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

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Five preston parks have been awarded a prestigious accolade today.

Avenham and Miller Parks are flying the Green Flag for the first time, while Haslam Park, Grange Park, and Fishwick Recreation Ground have once again achieved the highly sought after standard.

Presented by The Civic Trust, the national Green Flag awards recognise high standards of a park's environment, safety and security measures, and the range of activities provided.

Parks awarded the Green Flag must be welcoming, accessible to the public and well maintained.

This year, a record 742 parks and open spaces across the country have been presented with Green Flags.

Preston’s parks have won the awards following an ongoing programme of developments which has included improved lighting, pathways and other facilities, and a variety of activities provided by local park rangers and friends groups.

Councillor Anthony Gornall, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “It’s tremendous that we now have five Green Flag parks in Preston.

“The council has carried out an ongoing programme of improvements to its parks over the last few years, particularly in Avenham and Miller Parks with the multi-million restoration of historic features and the building of the new state-of-the-art pavilion.

“It’s important that parks offer a clean and safe environment with plenty of activities for everyone and when people see the Green Flag, they will know the parks meet these high standards.

“I’m pleased the hard work is paying off and hope the Green Flags encourage even more people to visit Preston’s parks.”

Paul Todd, Green Flag award scheme application manager, said: “The increasing number of Green Flag award-winning parks and green spaces highlights the important role they play in bringing people together and improving their quality of life.

“Congratulations to all the management, staff, and in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence.” The winners will be presented with their green flags at a ceremony in Liverpool on Thursday, July 24.