Green flags to fly high again at parks across Lancaster and Morecambe

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the park boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained, well managed and has excellent facilities.

The scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Success in this year’s awards saw Regent Park and Torrisholme Cemetery in Morecambe being awarded the honour for the second year running and Lancaster’s Williamson Park and Ryelands Park and Happy Mount Park in Morecambe retaining their longstanding accolade.

Williamson Park has also again been awarded special Green Heritage status, which recognises the excellent upkeep of parks that are of historical and cultural interest.

The local winners are amongst 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020/21.

Coun Dave Brookes, Cabinet member with responsibility for parks and open spaces, said: “The outbreak of coronavirus has highlighted just how important our parks and green spaces are to us and our everyday health.

"They have been some of the few places to stay open throughout all of the lockdown restrictions, providing somewhere to escape to for a bit of respite and normality.

“With many park staff deployed elsewhere to support our most vulnerable communities through the pandemic, the awards this year are particularly testament to the work of all our friends’ groups and volunteers who have contributed to the upkeep of our parks and open spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

Would you like to contribute towards the upkeep of your local park? For more information on how to join a friends group in your area, go online here