Park workers praised

Gardening staff at Alexandra Park, Pride in Oldham nominees. Back left to right, Jerome Tynn, Paul Jones, John Halfpenny, Chris Dyer, Sean Rainford, Stuart Johnson, Graham Stott. Front left to right, Sean Mitchell, Will Wills (senior green space officer), Andrew Rushworth.

GREEN fingered gardeners and trainees who keep Alexandra Park looking blooming marvellous are in the running for a Pride in Oldham Award.

The nine-strong team who tend the 25-hectare beauty spot have been nominated by regular visitor Jenny Brooks.

And it comes hot on the heels of the park's nomination for a Green Flag People's Choice Award - a special award to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the scheme which recognises the country's best open spaces.

Mrs Brooks (67) has lived near the park for more than 30 years and said: "I walk in it regularly, I take my granddaughter in and play crown green bowling every Friday.

"The park is always in an excellent condition with no litter and beautiful flowers. It is well used by everyone and people who haven't been in for a long time always comment on how well kept it is."

Alexandra Park was opened in 1865 and was created to provide jobs during the American Civil War, which resulted in a cotton famine and mass unemployment in textile towns such as Oldham.

It cost £31,000 and it was named to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra.

A £3.2 million Lottery-funded refurbishment was completed in 2004 which included restoring the boathouse, the famous Lion's Den, the bowls pavilion and the conservatory.

Glenn Dale, Oldham Council's head of environmental management, said: "For the staff to be recognised for the work that they do in ensuring Alexandra Park is maintained to the highest level is a real honour.

"Passion, enthusiasm and commitment are all key ingredients to ensure that this fantastic public park remains that way and the staff here ooze all three.

"The role of the gardeners and trainees often goes unnoticed so when recognition is received it is so rewarding and provides the platform to continue with the drive to make Alexandra Park the best in Britain and something for Oldham to celebrate."