Six green flag awards for Preston Parks

Green Flag recognises excellence in green space management. Criteria used to judge green spaces are cleanliness, maintenance, sustainability, community involvement, heritage, nature conservation, health and safety.Councillor Robert Boswell, cabinet member for environment, said: “We’re thrilled to now be able to offer the people of Preston six award-winning parks.“In addition to renewing previous awards for Avenham and Miller Parks, Grange Park, Haslam Park and Fishwick Local Nature Reserve, we have also been awarded the Green Flag for Ashton Park which is fantastic news after we were very close to gaining it last year.“Parks and green spaces are essential assets to the city and we are committed to continually improving them in order to provide local people with first class facilities.”Phil Barton, Green Flag Plus Partnership chairman, said: “I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, who have worked hard throughout the year to keep their parks and green spaces at a high standard and ensure they are pleasant and enjoyable spaces for the whole community.“The Green Flag Award Scheme, and its growth, is essential in driving up the standards of our parks and green spaces.“Access to quality green space is something we all desire and the scheme plays a key role in providing it.In 2011, over a thousand parks and green spaces will fly either the Green Flag or Community Award.The aim of Green Flag is to get 50% of green spaces in England and Wales to Green Flag standard by 2020.

Preston given purple flag 'safe' city status

The scheme assessed Preston's crime rates, hygiene standards and range of visitor attractions Preston has been officially recognised as one of the safest, cleanest and most enjoyable places for a night out.

The city has been awarded purple flag status - similar to the Blue Flag scheme for beaches - which it shares with Manchester, Oxford and Bristol.

The scheme assesses each area's crime rates, hygiene standards and range of visitor attractions.It is run by the Association for Town Centre Management, an organisation focused on improving towns and cities.Flag flown

Preston's Business Improvement District (BID) applied for the award. Organisation chairman Ken Williams said: "We're absolutely delighted to learn that Preston has been awarded Purple Flag status. "It's well known across the night time industry that achieving the standard isn't a walk in the park, it's a big job, but we've done it and we intend to make the most of it by shouting from the roof-tops that Preston is the place for a good night out".The purple flag, which will be flown in the city centre, will officially be presented to Preston at a ceremony in June.

After Hours Shopping – Every Wednesday in Preston City Centre

Some of the city’s most popular outlets are now staying open that little while longer allowing time to shop and dine mid-week. More than 60 stores will trade each Wednesday until 7pm providing an ideal opportunity for a spot of after work shopping. Add to that more than 30 restaurants and bars offering early bird discounts, its’ the perfect excuse to treat yourself.......For details of participating outlets, visit www.bidpreston.co.uk and head to “After Hours Shopping”.

Please note, this list changes regularly so check before your visit.

French Revolution room to open at Regimental museum in Fulwood

The Queen’s Lancashire Regimental Museum in Fulwood is due to open a new room, dedicated to the French Revolution.

The Waterloo Room contains a rare Napoleonic Eagle and other memorabilia, including medals, clothing, pictures, rifles and swords, and should be ready to open later this year.

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New Hungarian Resaurant opens in Preston City Centre.

The name Csikós Csárda, meaning horseman’s inn, is popular in Hungary where it’s synonymous with good old fashioned home cooking.

The menu is a reflection of this and Peter found it easy to decide what to put on it, because he knew he wanted to serve traditional Hungarian cooking. “I’ve never wanted to cook anything else, it’s always Hungarian food.”

Tradition is important to Peter and he is eager to keep recipes authentic and believes that good quality produce will make great tasting meals. More... (this link will take you to blogpreston.co.uk)

Chainsaw artist returns to Preston's Moor Park

Moor Park has received two new works of art made by a prestigious wood carver.

Mick Burns has been a chainsaw carver for more than 25 years.

He has designed two new benches to be placed in the play area, one of a giant lizard and another that mirrors the observatory and water features found in the area.

Mick said: “The intention is to put these in the children’s play area as a little bit of interesting furniture other than just the play equipment.” More ... (this link will take you to blogpreston.co.uk)

Preston Film Festival enjoys its second year.

Preston can look forward to three days of excellent film-related events spread across the city, says Ric Michael – the coordinator of the Lancashire International Film Festival.

Following on from the festival that debuted last year, the event has now been commissioned for the next two years. Michael says that this year’s festival (held from the 8th to the 10th April) is ”going to be great, and next year for Preston Guild, with it being the third year of the festival, you’ll start to see the big events coming together with the other celebrations in the city”. More ... (this link will take you to blogpreston.co.uk)