The Mere at Ellesmere requires people power for top award

The Mere at Ellesmere is hoping to be named as the country's favourite park in the Green Flag Award People's Choice Awards this year.

Earlier this year the Mere won the Green Flag Award which recognises well-managed parks and open spaces for the second year. It will now go up against 1,582 others for the People's Choice Award where people are asked to vote for their favourite.

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere, said: "The Mere has so much to offer and is a great day out for all the family, so I'm delighted that it was awarded a Green Flag once again this year.

"It would be wonderful for Ellesmere and for Shropshire if it were to be named the nation's favourite park, so I encourage everyone to vote."

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member responsible for outdoor recreation, said: "I would like to thank all the dedicated staff and volunteers at The Mere for their hard work in maintaining such a wonderful park.

"This is a great example of how Shropshire Council can work alongside volunteers and local communities to enable them to make a real difference to their local area.

"Without the help of our volunteers – be it one day a year, an hour a month or a regular weekly session – the Green Flag award would not have been possible, so receiving it is a celebration of their efforts."

The Mere is managed by Shropshire Council and features a lake, gardens, woodland walks and historic parkland.

There is also a promenade, restaurant and visitor centre as well as a play area and garden walks.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager said: "We all have a favourite park, whether it's our local green space or a special park we'll travel miles to visit.

"Following another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award, we are urging everyone to vote for their own favourite park, so we can crown one of these 1,582 special parks as the People's Choice 2015."

Voting closes at noon on September 30 and the winner will be announced in October. To vote, visit www.greenflagaward.org