Pride in parks rewarded as Wigan Borough retains its seven Green Flags

Pride in parks rewarded as Wigan Borough retains its seven Green Flags

Ashton-in-Makerfield's Jubilee Park is one of seven Wigan Borough green spaces to retain its Green Flag

Seven Wigan Borough parks have retained their place among the best-kept in the country.

Alexandra Park (Newtown), Central Park (Atherton), Jubilee Park (Ashton-in-Makerfield), Mesnes Park (Wigan) and Pennington Hall Park (Leigh) have all secured prestigious Green Flag status for another 12 months.

Community-led sites at Colliers Corner (Howe Bridge) and Tanners Lane Embankment (Golborne) have also again been recognised on the coveted nationwide list of well-managed green spaces.

News of the awards comes as the council’s Be Well service prepares to celebrate Love Parks Week (24 July – 2 August) with a host of free parks activities for residents to enjoy.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We take great pride in our parks and green spaces here in Wigan Borough, so we’re delighted to see that hard work and passion has been recognised once again!

“Our parks are so important to our communities. As places to relax, socialise and be active, they can have a major positive impact on our health and wellbeing.

“A lot of effort goes into keeping them looking their best all year round, so I’d like to say a massive thank you to all our parks teams, volunteers and community groups for all their hard work and dedication.

“Achieving Green Flag status for another 12 months is just reward and goes to show that the love and passion we all have for our borough doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Currently celebrating its 30^th year, the Green Flag Scheme is the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces.

This year, a record-breaking 2,391 sites across the UK have made the list, which also includes Green Flag Community Awards for quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups.

In Wigan Borough, The Bridgers community group (Howe Bridge) and Golborne in Bloom have both been rewarded for their upkeep of Colliers Corner and Tanners Lane Embankment respectively.

The Bridgers were joined by council officers and volunteers from the Friends of Atherton Parks group at the awards ceremony at The Lowther Pavilion in Lytham St Anne’s on Tuesday (14 July).

Meanwhile, plans for Love Parks Week at venues all across the borough include tennis, pickleball, bowls, pétanque, foot golf, disc golf, park gym and women’s football, plus a number of ‘walk and talk’ groups and a ‘Fun Day’ at Holgate Park, Orrell on Tuesday 28 July.

Activities are suitable for all fitness levels, with many aimed at families to keep kids busy during the school summer holidays.

Coun Ready added: “Be Well has fun free parks activities all through summer and, if you’ve never tried them before, Love Parks Week is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and get involved.

“You’ll find there’s a little something for everyone, and it’s all about fresh air, fun and friendship. So why not come along and give something new a try!”

The free sessions are now available to book via the Be Well app (external link) or online booking site (external link). For more information visit the Be Well website (external link).