Two more Bury parks have been recognised for their quality.

The borough's 12 main parks have once again achieved the coveted Green Flag award, which recognises and rewards well managed sites and sets the benchmark for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

And this year, two extra sites have also been accredited for the first time- Hamilton Road Park in Whitefield and Radcliffe Cemetery, raising the total across the borough to 14.

The other green spaces include Burrs Country Park, Clarence Park, Manchester Road Park, Openshaw Park and Whitehead Park in Bury.

St Mary’s Park in Prestwich and Whitefield Park and Hamilton Road Park in Whitefield also gained accreditation.

Bolton Road Park, Close Park and Radcliffe Cemetery in Radcliffe, Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom, and Private Peachment VC Town Meadow Park in Tottington all boast a green flag.

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Most sites in the borough have achieved the award for numerous years, but the parks with the highest running totals are Burrs Country Park, Clarence Park, Close Park, Nuttall Park, Openshaw Park, St Mary’s Park, Whitehead Park and Whitefield Park with a track record of 19 years running.

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations at the council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our parks continue to retain their Green Flags year on year, and to have added a further two sites to the collection is a fantastic achievement.

“Green Flags flying overhead show that our communities are benefitting from high quality green spaces.

"In Bury, despite 13 years of austerity, this is thanks to ongoing council investment in local facilities, the tireless work and high standards of our parks, countryside and grounds maintenance teams, and last, but definitely not least, all the remarkable support and dedication from local volunteers, friends of parks, and community groups.

“A huge thank you to all, and very well done for this amazing triumph.”

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

"For many, the scheme has been fundamental in improving and maintaining high standards for their green spaces.

Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving 14 Green Flag awards for Bury’s green spaces.

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“These are vital spaces for the community, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

"The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that the high standards of the Green Flag are maintained, and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Some of the main factors contributing to Bury’s ongoing Green Flag success include continuing council investment in maintaining public facilities, including play areas, ball zones and tennis courts.

The hard work of voluntary groups in self-management of bowling and football pitches and the hard work by voluntary groups also contributes to the borough’s success.

It can also be attributed to parks and green space volunteers that play an important role in maintaining environmental standards, carrying out conservation projects, and keeping facilities clean as well as friends of parks that passionately support local green spaces and source external funding for the delivery of new projects.

To find out more about Bury’s Green Flag parks and the facilities they have, visit www.bury.gov.uk/parks or to become a park and green space volunteer see www.bury.gov.uk/parks-getinvolved