Congleton Park has been awarded the Green Flag Award for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2020 – Thirteen Consecutive-Years!

Green Flags are only awarded to the very best open spaces.

This award recognises the vast achievements which have taken place in improving and developing the park over the last few years from the Friends of Congleton Park, Congleton Town Council Streetscape Team, ANSA and Cheshire East Council and the work undertaken during the restoration scheme.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom.

Exceptional partnership working has ensured that Congleton Park has achieved the Green Flag Award for the 13th year running.

This award recognises and celebrates the consistently high standards within the park and the commitment of all those involved in its success.

But that is not all, Congleton Park has also for the first time achieved the much –coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for management of its historic features. The accreditation is supported by Historic England.

This very prestigious award has only been presented to just 10 parks in the North West.

Congleton Park underwent a thorough assessment for this additional award, but the judge was really impressed with what was presented to him.

He particularly commented on the floral displays and strongly recommended to keep the current balance of bedding and sustainable border features.

The Friends of Congleton Park are extremely proud that the Park has gained its 13th Green Flag and now the Green Heritage award.

A massive thanks to the 'Friends' and all the Cheshire East staff and Congleton Town Council Streetscape Team who have maintained the park during difficult working conditions this year.

We particularly thank Elaine Webster, Parks Manager from Ansa, John Lilley Friends of Congleton Park member and Ruth Burgess, Streetscape Development Manager for all the work that went into the Heritage Green Flag submission.

The Friends of Congleton Park working alongside Streetscape, ANSA and Cheshire East Council ensure that everybody has access to a quality green open space and that the park is appropriately managed and meet the needs of all visitors.

We have established an excellent standard of management and we thank all volunteers and staff members who make it all happen.

Glen Williams, Chairman, Friends of Congleton Park said: "Winning our 13th Green Flag is absolutely amazing and recognises the consistently high standards achieved by the Streetscape Team, Ansa and volunteers who add a lot to what Congleton Park is.

"Receiving the Heritage Green Flag is the icing on the cake and ready for our celebration plans in 2021.

"It is testament to the original design of Edward Kemp and the sympathetic changes that have occurred over the last 150 years.

"Congleton Park remains a great place to visit and continues to evolve with the refurbishment of the junior play area earlier this year. During 2020 it has proved invaluable as a place to enjoy during the challenges this year has presented.

"Friends of Congleton Park are currently working on several exciting projects to improve the park further with a refurbishment of the St Stephen's entrance, additional interpretation boards and the re-planting of some of the herbaceous borders."

The Friends of Congleton Park will continue to work closely with Congleton Town Council's Streetscape Team, Ansa and Cheshire East Council to implement the management and development plan ensuring the park retains the high standards that has enabled it to win many different awards in the last few years.

We are also looking forward to celebrating 150 years of our fantastic park with all residents next year.

Please also look out for the special commemorative calendar that is being produced by Congleton in Bloom to mark this special year which will be on sale soon.

The Friends of Congleton Park are a voluntary community group established to work in Partnership with Cheshire East Council and Congleton Town Council to help develop and look after the park.

If you want to find out more and see how you can help, please contact Glen Williams on 01260 277384.