Two Wyre parks secure prestigious Green Flag Award

25th July 2011

Categories: Latest News

Two Thornton parks have been named among the best in the country.

Hawthorne Park and Wyre Estuary Country Park will have been presented with the Green Flag Award, the latter for the seventh consecutive year.

This is a sure sign to visitors that the parks are well managed and well maintained with excellent facilities.

At Hawthorne Park, with council support, a dedicated trust now takes pride in this urban gem that saw £243,251 invested to transform an under-used and overgrown open space into a cleaner, greener and safer children's playground for tots to teens, complemented by wildlife habits and dedicated areas to sit and stroll.

Wyre Estuary Country Park, meanwhile, is situated on the banks of the River Wyre where a network of paths lead visitors through a variety of habitats and wildlife, ideal for birdwatching. Facilities include picnic sites, a new £167,000 adventure playground and an improved Wyreside cafe.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Cabinet member with responsibility for parks at Wyre Council, said: "It's wonderful news, especially with our country park receiving seven in a row

“We see this as a fantastic accolade for the park’s committed staff and volunteers who all work tremendously hard to offer visitors an enjoyable experience and consistently high standards."

Phil Barton, Green Flag Plus Partnership chairman added: "I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, who have worked hard throughout the year to keep their parks and green spaces at a high standard and ensure they are pleasant and enjoyable spaces for the whole community.

"Access to quality green space is something we all desire and the scheme plays a key role in providing it."

As Green Flag recipients, both parks now also have the chance to receive a further award from the Green Flag Plus Partnership - the People’s Choice Award.  This award is voted for by the public – you can register your vote now at www.greenflagaward.org.uk