BURY'S twelve main parks have been awarded Green Flags – for the eighth year in a row.

The accolade is is yet another achievement to add to Bury’s award-winning green spaces. Earlier this month Bury won Britain in Bloom North West and Radcliffe was awarded a silver gilt.

The national Green Flag award scheme, which is run by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities.

Bury has one of the highest ratios of Green Flag parks across the country.

The Green Flag dozen are: Close Park, Openshaw Park, Hoyles Park, Clarence Park, Whitehead Park, Whitefield Park, Bolton Road Park, St Mary’s Park, Town Meadow Park, Nuttall Park, Manchester Road Park, and Burrs Country Park.

Burrs Country Park was one of the first to gain the Green Flag standard back in 2003 and, thanks to the efforts of local community volunteers, partners and council officers, the park has gone from strength to strength.

And, with direction from Burrs Strategy and the Strategy Development Group, Burrs is set to become a destination park of the future.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for environment, said he was delighted with the achievement.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted that yet again all 12 of our parks have received the Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy.

"The excellent standard of our parks and green spaces adds to the many reasons why Bury is a premier destination for leisure; and it’s particularly important too that local people have access to quality facilities on their doorstep.

“A massive ‘thank you’ goes to our parks and countryside service, our grounds maintenance team and all partners, volunteers and community groups.

"It’s our community pulling together as one that helps achieves these fantastic results for everyone.”