Green reigns supreme in Warrington

WARRINGTON’S beautiful green spaces are once again flying the flag for the borough.
The borough council is celebrating after again achieving the prestigious Green Flag Award for all 12 of the sites which it applied for in 2017 – a repeat of 2016.
To mark the latest Green Flag success, representatives of park Friend’s groups from across Warrington got together at St Elphin’s Park for a special picnic. The event celebrated the important part park friends play in raising the standards of parks and open spaces and how they foster friendships with the wider community.
Cllr Tony Higgins, the council’s lead member for leisure and communities, said: “We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors.
“Each flag is a celebration of Warrington’s park friends groups volunteers, council staff and partners who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.
“I’m absolutely delighted with this achievement. The on-going success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to local people.”
The Green Flag Award is an international accolade, now into its third decade. It is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. Community engagement and involvement with a site is also a significant part of the award.
The sites which have earned a Green Flag are: St Peters Park, St Elphins Park, Bewsey Park, Alexandra Park, Lymm Dam, Risley Moss, Walton Hall and Gardens, Fox Covert Cemetery, Warrington Cemetery, Burtonwood Cemetery, Hollingfare Cemetery and Walton Crematorium.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, chairman of Building Stronger Communities said: “The Friends of St Elphin’s Park were honoured to host the first Friends of Friends gathering and celebrated the achievement of 12 repeat Green Flag Awards for Warrington Parks, cemeteries and crematorium.
“The event provided a great opportunity for volunteers to share experience and expertise, overcoming challenges and develop effective partnerships with the council to improve the open space visitor experience. We hope that the event will be held annually and timed to celebrate future Green Flag Award successes within Warrington.”
Pictured are councillors Higgins and Flaherty at St Elphin’s Park with council officers and the park friends groups from across the borough