Hard-working West Lancashire Borough Council staff and local volunteers have been praised by experts who have judged Beacon Country Park to be among the best in the country.

The park has retained the Green Flag Award for the 10th successive year after undergoing a rigorous assessment by judges from Keep Britain Tidy, which co-ordinates the Green Flag Awards scheme.

The panel of experts were so impressed they increased their rating given on the last inspection putting the park in the highest possible scoring bracket, placing it among the best of the best.

They praised the great relationships that have been forged by staff and volunteers with schools, businesses, farmers and local crafts persons. The judges commented: “The team are doing a fantastic job and the park is a credit to them.”

Another judge visited Coronation Park, Ormskirk, in a ‘secret shopper’ exercise and was also very impressed by what they saw, awarding the park Green Flag Award status for the ninth successive year.

The Green Flag award scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.

Council staff and local volunteers work hard all year round to ensure the parks are maintained to a high standard and are places that the public will enjoy visiting.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “Receiving such recognition from national experts is a real tribute to hardworking Council staff and local volunteers who do a tremendous job of making our parks such fantastic places to visit. Retaining Green Flag status for two parks for yet another year is a fantastic achievement and to have Beacon Country Park in the highest possible scoring bracket is wonderful accolade”

Councillor Kevin Wilkie, portfolio holder for Street Scene, said: “Staff and volunteers will continue to work hard to maintain the very high standards necessary to keep these awards. The Council’s staff and the teams of volunteers provide a great service and make sure our parks look their best and we are very grateful for all their efforts.”