POLLOK COUNTRY PARK IS THE BEST IN BRITAIN
           
Pollok Country Park, Glasgow has been awarded the prestigious title of Britian’s Best Park 2007.

Managed by Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park beat off tough competition
from parks across the country to take the top prize – which was
presented by competition sponsors Briggs & Stratton at a ceremony
in the park today, Tuesday 23rd October 2007.

The park was judged on a range of criteria including environment, access, maintenance and community involvement. It’s rich rural history, diverse environment and high levels of maintenance particularly impressed the judges.

Ian Small, sales manager consumer OEM UK for Briggs & Stratton, said:
"Everything about the park, including its close links with the community, and diverse environment make it a worthy winner of the title.".

Pollok Country Park is part of the Old Pollok Estate, the ancestral home to the Maxwell family. It is spread over 361 acres and attracts over two million visitors each year.

Robert Booth, executive director of land and environmental services said: "It is a tremendous honour for Glasgow City Council to receive this prestigious award. Pollok Country Park is a haven for both citizens of Glasgow and the ever-growing number of international tourists. Many People are drawn here because of the unique rural experience it offers within the heart of the city."

Robert added: "I am particularly proud to see the tireless enthusiasm, dedication and resourcefulness of the staff based within the park recognised – they have all worked very hard to reach and maintain consistently high standards."

Ruth Simpson, executive member of Glasgow City Council for land and environmental services, who received the prize on behalf of the city said: "The park offers something for everyone in the city, the staff work enormously hard and winning this award is a wonderful accolade for everyone."

Pollok Country Park will now go forward to compete against parks from France, Germany, Sweden, Poland and Italy in the European Best Parks competition, also sponsored by Briggs & Stratton. The results will be announced in 2008.

Regional Winners 2007

North: Roundhay Park

North East: Mowbray Park, Sunderland

West Midlands: Bradwell Crematorium, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Wales: Morgan Jones Park, Caerphilly

Eastern: Hylands Park, Chelmsford

Midlands: Kings Park, Retford, Nottinghamshire

South West: Stratford Park, Gloucester

South East: Alexandra Park, Hastings

London: King Edward Memorial Park, East London