An East Lancashire borough has now won its 10th 'Green Flag' for the quality of its parks and open spaces.
The award, granted to Milnshaw Park in Lancaster Avenue, Accrington, means Hyndburn Council now boasts more of the environmental accolades than any other authority in Lancashire.
It joins Oakhill Park, Peel Park, Rhyddings Park Gatty Park, Cutwood Park, Lowerfold Park, Mercer Park, Wilsons Playing Fields and Woodlands and Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium in having Green Flag status
Cllr Steven Smithson, Hyndburn Council's environment boss, said: "“This is a tremendous achievement and highlights the fantastic work of the parks team and all the volunteer groups throughout Hyndburn who have made this possible.
"On behalf of residents, I would like to say congratulations and give thanks for maintaining all these award-winning green spaces.”
Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and Hyndburn Butterfly Project have both been instrumental in the development of Milnshaw Park..
Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “It is fantastic to see our parks being recognised by this national award.
"Our green spaces support people to live healthy lives and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
"To hear the news of so many of our parks being awarded green flags for having such high standards is wonderful and something we can all be proud of."
Gemma McMullan of the Hyndburn Butterfly Project said: “The meadow in Milnshaw Park features a range of native wildflowers and grasses, which have so far attracted 17 different butterfly species plus other wildlife including damselflies, dragonflies, moths, ladybirds, shieldbugs and crickets.
"The meadow has been a great boost for biodiversity in the park and we've had some really positive feedback from both children and adults."
Cath Holmes from Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, said: "The work on Milnshaw Park started almost a decade ago, spurred on by local teenagers who took to social media to highlight the lack of facilities in the area.
"From sporting courts, exercise machines, a state-of-the-art pump track and a new children’s playground, this park is a brilliant space for everyone to enjoy."
Every Green Flag status park or green space in East Lancashire
Burnley
- Ightenhill Park
- Padiham Memorial Park
- Queen’s Park
- Scott Park
- Thompson Park
- Towneley Park
Canal & River Trust
- Greenberfield to Barrowford, Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Hyndburn
- Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium
- Cutwood Park
- Gatty Park
- Lowerfold Park
- Mercer Park
- Milnshaw Park
- Oakhill Park
- Peel Park
- Rhyddings Park
- Wilsons & Woodlands
Pendle
- Ball Grove Park
- Barrowford Park
- Heyhead Park
- Marsden Park
- Valley Gardens
- Victoria Park (Nelson)
- Walverden Park
Rossendale
- Stubbylee and Moorlands Park
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