AN OSWESTRY park's bid to be named the UK's favourite has been backed by the local MP.

Cae Glas Park has already exceeded expectations after it was named in the top 10 after just seven days of voting in the Fields of Trust's UK's Favourite Parks competition.

And on Thursday (August 11) there was further support as North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan paid a visit to the park and met the hardworking staff that make the site so popular.

The annual awards, organised by green space charity Fields in Trust, will close its votes at midday on Thursday, August 18, and the Oswestry Town Council is urging everyone to vote.

Fields in Trust chief executive Helen Griffiths said: "Our nation’s parks have been so important during the pandemic, and it is vital that we celebrate them to help ensure they are protected for future generations.

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry Mayor, Cllr Jay Moore, with Helen Morgan MPOswestry Mayor, Cllr Jay Moore, with Helen Morgan MP

"Our children and grandchildren deserve to have the same access to green space that we do, this is a significant moment to change the way we think about the contribution local green spaces make to our health, our wellbeing, our environment, and ultimately our futures."

The parks with the most votes in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be named National Favourites and the overall winner the UK's Favourite Park 2022.

According to research done by Fields in Trust, around 2.8 million people across Great Britain live more than ten-minute walk from their nearest park or green space, and this could possibly get worse with the lack of legal protection, as they could be sold off or developed.

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Helen Morgan said: "Cae Glas is a fantastic park which I know is valued by all the local community and acted as a particularly crucial open space during the Covid lockdowns.

"The staff here do a fantastic job keeping the space so well maintained and creating such beautiful flower arrangements for all visitors to enjoy."

Cae Glas is among 364 parks and green spaces in the running to be awarded UK’s Favourite Park 2022.

You can vote now and support your green space at www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks