Seven ready to fly green flags

SEVEN parks and gardens across Oldham have held on to the prestigious Green Flag award.

Mystery judges who visited the parks without warning gave the seal of approval to Alexandra, Chadderton Hall, Coalshaw Green, Foxdenton, High Crompton and Stoneleigh parks and Brownhill Nature Garden, Dobcross.

They have been kept in tip-top condition despite sweeping changes and tight finances hitting the borough, and the award means they are officially recognised as among the best in the country.

Parks bosses have been celebrating the news, and urging Oldhamers to take the time to enjoy them.

Glenn Dale, greenspace manager for Oldham, said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic achievement, through the hard work and dedication of our committed staff.

“Not only is it a difficult time both locally and nationally, but in Oldham we have merged parks and streetscene services which resulted in a number of key staff who were involved last year having left the organisation.”

Mr Dale said the credit crunch had resulted in a boost in the numbers of people visiting Oldham’s parks.

He added: “They are a free local destination for people to use, and by retaining our green flag awards we are providing quality parks for people to holiday at home.”

Councillor Jean Stret-ton, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, added: “The Green Flag Awards recognise that the council is committed to providing high standard greenspaces for residents so to hear all our parks have retained them is great news.

“Across the borough families are able to enjoy free, safe and top-class facilities on their door-steps.

“I would like to congratulate council staff who have done a fantastic job in helping us retain these awards.

Oldham’s seven award-winning parks and gardens are among a record 256 across the North-West who today learned they had earned the Green Flag.

All award-winning sites are now in with a chance to gain the People’s Choice Award. Vote for your local park at www.greenflag award.org.uk1