Hyndburn has successfully retained the prestigious Green Flag status for 11 of its parks and green spaces, marking another year of excellence in environmental management. The award, an international standard for well-managed parks, celebrates its 30th anniversary, with Hyndburn contributing 11 of the record-breaking 2,391 sites across the country to secure the accolade this year.
Recognised Parks and Community Effort
The winning sites include Cutwood Park in Rishton, Gatty Park in Church, Oak Hill Park in Accrington, Wilson Sports Village in Clayton-Le-Moors, and Accrington Cemetery in Huncoat. This achievement underscores the dedication of the local authority parks team and the volunteers who care for these spaces.
Keep Britain Tidy Praise
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming. With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life. Hyndburn Borough Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved."
Council and Volunteer Gratitude
Councillor Paul Cox, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: "I am pleased that Hyndburn has retained all 11 of its Green Flag awards and would like to thank our Parks Team, the many ‘Friends of Parks’ groups, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this possible."
Future Plans for a 12th Award
Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, leader of the council, commented on future plans: "Here at Wilson Sports Village today, home of the new Cath Thom Leisure Centre, it is clear why this, alongside 10 other parks and green spaces, have been granted this prestigious award. Next year, we’re aiming to go one better by adding a twelfth park, with plans underway for improvements to Bullough Park to enable it to achieve Green Flag status."
