Bury wins Open Space Management Team of the Year award

Date published: 07 October 2008

Bury Council’s Parks and Countryside Team received national recognition when it was announced they had won ‘Open Space Management Team of the Year’ at the 2008 Horticulture Week Landscape and Amenity Awards.

More than 350 open space professionals celebrated the best of the industry as winners were announced at a high profile awards event at the Royal Gardens Hotel in London on the evening of 2 October.

The team of the year award recognises best use of resources in achieving excellence in open space management. Bury was shortlisted for the award by a panel of independent judges and stiff competition was beaten off from fellow finalists Mid Sussex District Council and Westminster City Council. At the award ceremony Bury was praised for the “commitment and teamwork shown towards excellence across the whole of the team.”

The successful team behind this prestigious award includes grounds maintenance, rangers, parks and countryside managers and support staff as well as many volunteers and community groups. The award recognises the impressive improvements made to Bury’s parks and green spaces such as accessibility, play/youth facilities and community management as well as the achievement of Green Flag parks and improved upkeep of green spaces.

Councillor Dorothy Gunther, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said “The last few years has seen exceptional achievement for Bury’s parks and open spaces involving many exciting and imaginative projects. Bury’s Parks and Countryside Team has outclassed its rivals by attaining the many goals they set out to achieve. This award is thoroughly deserved.”

Neil Long, Assistant Director of Leisure Services said “I am delighted that the teamwork involved in managing and improving green spaces has been nationally recognised. The whole workforce has contributed to this outcome and they can be very proud of what has been achieved.” The end result is well managed and well maintained parks for everyone to enjoy”