Six miss out to save £6k

FLAG FLYING: Dunwood Park in Shaw

TWO Oldham parks are celebrating a coveted Green Flag award — but six others have missed out because the council couldn’t afford the £6,000 to enter them in this year’s Keep Britain Tidy challenge.

A spokesman said Chadderton Hall Park, Foxdenton Park, Stoneleigh Park, High Crompton Park, Coalshaw Green Park and Brownhill Visitor Centre hadn’t retained their Green Flag status because of “financial constraints”.

The national award tells visitors the space boasts the highest-possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

The spokesman added that despite losing their status, council’s annual park audit will still ensure facilities are maintained to a high standard.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “The council must save £18 million this financial year and an estimated £21 million the next. This has led to some very tough decisions. We just couldn’t commit to the extra resources it takes to get Green Flag status.”

Meanwhile Oldham’s remaining Green Flag-flyers, Dunwood and Alexandra, are basking in their blooming success.

Refurbished Dunwood, in Shaw, celebrated its centenary last year and has undergone a big revamp with a new bowling pavilion, sculpture, climbing boulder and dipping pond.

Alexandra retains its Green Flag, one of a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces nationwide that received the status this week.

“It’s great news that Dunwood received its first Green Flag and that Alexandra Park has retained this wonderful accolade,” added Councillor Hibbert.

The flags will be raised in both parks to coincide with “Love Parks” Week, from Sunday.