AFTER winning the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, parks throughout Runcorn and Widnes have hoisted the prestigious Green Flag.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government licenses the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy to manage the Green Flag Award scheme, honouring well-managed parks and green spaces.

This programme sets the standard for green space management in the UK and around the world.

Halton Borough Council-run Hale Park, Runcorn Hill Park, and Victoria Park have all been formally honoured as some of the best open spaces in the nation thanks to the Green Flag Award they won.

The decision was welcomed by Cllr Stef Nelson, the council’s executive board member for environment and urban renewal.

He said: “All our parks are invaluable to the community, and thoroughly enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“To be awarded the Green Flag for three of our sites for another year is excellent news.

“It is down to the hard work and dedication of parks staff and volunteers in all the parks who ensure such high standards are maintained.”

Paul Todd MBE, manager of Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag award scheme, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at the three Halton parks on achieving a Green Flag award.

“Victoria Park, Runcorn Hill Park and Hale Park are vital green spaces for communities in Halton to socialise, enjoy nature and for children to play safely.

“It provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.”