TWO BEAUTIFUL Oldham Council parks have successfully retained the prestigious Green Flag status at a regional awards ceremony held in the borough.
Authorities from across the North West attended the event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Tuesday, July 21 to recognise and rewarde the best green spaces in the region.
Alexandra Park, in Oldham, and Dunwood Park, in Shaw, are two of 1,582 parks and green spaces proudly flying the Green Flag across the country, awarded by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
All were judged to be well-managed, high-quality and provide excellent facilities at international standards.
Council staff and volunteers were praised for their conservation and heritage work.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “For Keep Britain Tidy to choose Oldham as its location to recognise the best parks and green spaces is an excellent compliment because we are committed to providing high standard green spaces.
“Throughout the borough families are able to benefit from free, safe and top class facilities on their doorsteps.
“It’s great news that Alexandra Park and Dunwood Park have successfully retained their Green Flag status – but I’d like to highlight all our parks and green spaces are managed with care and attention.
“I would like to congratulate the council staff and volunteers who have done a fantastic job in helping us retain these awards, taking great pride in where they live and work – and making our borough blooming beautiful.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.
“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Alexandra Park, the largest in Oldham, was built by local people during the cotton famine sparked by the American Civil War, which prevented the export of raw cotton from America to Oldham.
The park is listed as Grade II on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England – a first for an open space in Oldham.
The idyllic Dunwood Park offers visitors the opportunity to discover and enjoy its wooded hillside with views across the Beal Valley towards Crompton Moor, Shaw, Oldham and Rochdale.
It recently opened its new Railway Garden, which is a new mini-growing hub for the community.
Visit Oldham’s parks to enjoy a number of activities or find out more online.
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