THE MERE is in the running to be named the nations’s favourite park.

Along with Severn Valley Country Park at Highley and Alverley, the Mere is up for the Green Flag Award People’s Choice award 2018.

They are among 1,883 parks and green spaces in the UK that were awarded the international Green Flag Award earlier this summer.

Cllr Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“Both of these sites offer wonderful views, fantastic facilities and a great day out for all the family, so I’m delighted that both were awarded a Green Flag once again this year.

“It would be brilliant for Shropshire if one of these sites were to be named the nation’s favourite park, so I encourage everyone to vote.

“I would like to thank all the dedicated staff and volunteers for their hard work in maintaining such wonderful parks. 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.”

The Mere is a lake with gardens, woodland walks and historic parkland. The Mere-side promenade, gardens and the Boathouse café and restaurant have recently been restored to their former glory.

The Cremorne Gardens offers a fantastic adventure play area, flower beds, specimen trees, lawns and seating, and a garden walk.

The park provides a number of themed walks which encourage the exploration of the park, provides interpretation of its heritage and makes links with Ellesmere town, the Llangollen Canal and surrounding countryside.

Green Flag Award manager Paul Todd, said:“The People’s Choice award is a chance to show how much your favourite park means to you. If it’s worth shouting about, make your voice heard and vote.”

To vote for The Mere or Severn Valley in the People’s Choice awards, visit www.greenflagaward.org, select the West Midlands region on the interactive map, choose the Mere or Severn Valley, and click the‘vote for this site’ button.

Voting runs closes on September 30 and the winner of the People’s Choice award 2018 will be announced in October.