Special status for seven Preston parks

They have been presented with the Green Flag Award, celebrating as some of the very best parks and open spaces in the world.

Preston’s seven Green Flags are awarded to Moor Park, Avenham Park, Miller Park, Ashton Park, Haslam Park, Winckley Square Gardens and Fishwick Local Nature Reserve.

The newest award is for Moor Park, following its recent Heritage Lottery funded restoration.

There are also Green Flag Community Awards retained by the Friends of Haslam Park for the sensory garden and local nature reserve.

Cabinet member for community and environment, coun Brian Rollo, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for seven sites across Preston, including Moor Park for the first time.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining them all to such a high standard.

“It’s great recognition for all the hard work by park rangers, gardeners, staff, volunteers and Friends Groups to keep all our parks and open spaces looking at their best all year round.”

Winckley Square Gardens also retains the much-coveted additional Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of the historic gardens.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.”