Pendle News Room

“The announcement, during Love Parks Week, is a credit to hard working staff, park friend groups and people who help out on volunteering days,” explained Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council.

The parks which have retained the prestigious Green Flag status are Alkincoats Park in Colne, Ball Grove Park in Trawden, Barrowford Park, Heyhead Park in Brierfield.  Marsden, Victoria and Walverden Parks in Nelson and Valley Gardens in Barnoldswick.

Councillor Iqbal added: “Pendle is very lucky to have so many wonderful parks and they have great facilities such as playgrounds, cafes, picnic areas, free tennis and bowling.

“You can find out more on Pendle Council’s website:  www.pendle.gov.uk/parks "
Councillor Iqbal stressed that community involvement is an important criteria in winning a Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag award.

“The judges were impressed with what’s being achieved here in Pendle despite the challenge of big reductions in our budgets over the last 10 years.

“They recognise that more investment in time and money is needed and that many areas need more resources that we just don’t have at our disposal.

“This is why we are in a process of transferring some of our parks or aspects of local parks to be run by their local parish or town council.”

Thanks to friends groups and local volunteers a new community orchard has been planted at Walverden Park Nelson.

And a new Pocket Park is being developed alongside Alkincoats Park, Colne including a green gym and vegetable plots.

Free park events over the summer include weekly Lighthouse Tai Chi sessions starting on Tuesday 30 July at 1pm in Victoria Park, Nelson, next to the Pavilion Café.

Kieron Roberts, Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager, said: “We are indebted to people who volunteer in our local parks, helping with tree planting, tending flower beds , organising events and general weeding and litter picking.

“It’s thanks to our volunteers and excellent staff that we’ve been able to retain Green Flags in eight of our parks.

"And we'd love more people to come forward and volunteer a little of their time to help us continue to provide these wonderful spaces.

“We care passionately about our parks which are important for the health and well-being of our local community and wildlife.

“Anyone who’s interested can email us at:  parks@pendle.gov.uk  or ring me on 01282 661587.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd added.  “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award"