Blackpool and Fylde coast parks earn prestigious Green Flag Award

A number of parks across Blackpool and the Fylde coast have earned a Green Flag Award.

Eight parks - each jointly managed by Blackpool Council, Enveco and dedicated volunteer groups - have been awarded this year, achieving the international quality mark for well-managed parks and green spaces.

Seven of the parks have retained their flags for a second or third consecutive year, and one has won for the first time.

Highfield Road Park and Devonshire Road Rock Gardens will each fly their Green Flags for the third year running. Anchorsholme Park, Crossland Road Park, Kingscote Park, Watson Road Park, and Stanley Park have all won for the second consecutive year. And Claremont Park has received its first Green Flag Award.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader (Place) for Blackpool Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Blackpool and a real tribute to everyone who has helped care for our parks.

‘’While we're rightly famous for our coastline, our parks and green spaces are every bit as important. They improve people's health and wellbeing, provide places for families to spend time together, support nature and biodiversity, and help make our neighbourhoods great places to live.

“These Green Flag Awards don't happen by chance. They are the result of the dedication of our council and Enveco teams, working alongside incredible volunteers who give up their time because they care so deeply about their local parks. Their commitment, from planting trees and flowers to organising community events and helping keep our parks looking their best, deserves enormous thanks.

“We're already celebrating a special year as Stanley Park marks its centenary, and now having eight Green Flags, including Claremont Park receiving the award for the first time, is something the whole town can be proud of. I hope these awards encourage even more people to get out, enjoy our wonderful green spaces and appreciate the people who work so hard to look after them.”

Judges commended the “strong community focus” of the eight parks, which each benefit from active Friends Of groups or volunteers.

The “strong range of recreational facilities” were also praised, including “free access opportunities” which “encourage inclusive participation”. Active management to prevent littering and anti-social behaviour was also commended.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and ward councillor for Claremont, added: “I'm especially delighted that Claremont Park has achieved Green Flag status for the very first time.

‘’This award reflects years of hard work by volunteers, council staff and everyone who has believed in creating a welcoming, vibrant space for the whole community to enjoy. Seeing the park full of people during Claremont Gala just a couple of weeks ago showed exactly what it means to local residents.’’

The Green Flag Awards, run by Keep Britain tidy, are now in their 30th year.

In Fylde, Ashton Gardens, Elswick, Fairhaven Lake and Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Lytham War Memorial and Garden and Promenade Gardens have all retained their Green Flag status, while Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Garden in St Annes – also known locally as Crescent Gardens – has been recognised for the very first time, having entered the competition this year.

The award-winning sites are among a record-breaking 2,391 across the UK to achieve the award this year – a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the council's parks teams, volunteers and partners who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The results are being announced today at a special regional Green Flag Awards ceremony hosted at Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens in Lytham – a first for the Fylde Coast – bringing together winning local authorities, environmental organisations and community groups from across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North East.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture at Fylde Council, said: "To see all seven of our nominated sites awarded Green Flag status is a brilliant achievement, and one the whole borough should be proud of.

‘’From Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Garden earning recognition on its very first entry, to our much-loved Promenade Gardens retaining their status, this is a real reflection of the pride and dedication our teams put into these spaces every single day.

"To have these results announced right here in Fylde, at the Lowther Pavilion, makes the achievement even more special. I'd like to thank everyone involved – our parks staff, In Bloom volunteers, friend’s groups and partners – for making Fylde's green spaces something we can all be proud of."

 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. 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.‘’