THE hard work of Lytham's green-fingered volunteers has been rewarded with official Green Flag status.

Lytham in Bloom's members joined forces with Fylde Borough Council to revamp the town's ageing War Memorial Gardens in Market Square.

The funding paid for resurfacing footpaths in the gardens, replacing ornamental railings, re-turfing and replanting the border areas. The memorial itself was cleaned and renovated by local Lytham marble restorer John Rimmer. New benches complete the attractive area, allowing people to sit and enjoy the beautiful floral displays, right in the centre of town.

The £55,000 revamp was down to the hard work of Lytham in Bloom's Tony Taylor and Jim Leak - tireless campaigners who have done the town proud.

Chairman Jim joined Tony, a co-founder of the 14-year-old group four years' ago and has never looked back.

The inrtrepid duo have taken the town forward every year in the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition every year since.

Jim said: “This year we are particularly proud of the Lytham War Memorial gardens which look simply stunning – we campaigned hard to get the Council to do the work and they have done a good job. We also campaigned to get sponsorship from the seats and planters and are very grateful for the support of residents in creating this beautiful spot.”

Both Fairhaven Lake and Lowther Gardens have retained their Green Flag status this year as well.

Coun Simon Renwick, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “It is always the aim of the council to uphold very high standards of maintenance, cleanliness and horticulture in our parks, so they may be enjoyed by our residents and by our many visitors.

“It is an added bonus that this attention to detail has been recognised once again by the judges of the Green Flag Award at Lowther and Fairhaven, and an added bonus that we have also collected one for our newly refurbished green space in the heart of Lytham. I heartily congratulate our parks team and the many volunteers who give their time to assist them in maintaining Fylde’s wonderful parks and gardens.”

Green Flag status recognises standards of excellence within parks and green spaces and is operated along similar lines to the Blue Flag award, given to clean beaches. The Civic Trust and the Department of Communities and Local Government give the awards annually.

At the same time two Fylde green spaces have been awarded with the Green Pennant Award which are given to high quality green spaces in England and Wales that are managed by voluntary and community groups. The two sites, managed by the local community groups, are Witch Wood in Lytham and Wesham Jubilee Doorstep Green.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme Application Manager, said: “The increasing number of Green Flag Award winning parks and green spaces highlight the important role they play in bringing people together and improving their quality of life. Congratulations to all the management, staff, and in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence.”

Created on 23/07/2008