A ‘people’s vote’ was launched on Monday but not the kind you hear being discussed daily on the national news, no this people’s vote is out to find out the best parks and green spaces in the country.

In July Alexandra Park, the Country Park, and St Leonards gardens were given a prestigious Green Flag Award after experts in their field declared them to be some of the best in the country.

Now this month the award scheme is asking the nation to have its say and decide which parks and green spaces should receive the People’s Choice Award for being the UK’s favourites.

Hastings parks are put to a diverse range of uses, some people just  enjoy visiting a park others go to play football, walk the dog, exercise or simply get away from it all. If you think your favourite park deserves to be in the top ten then cast your vote. All you have to do is go to www.greenflagaward.org find your park on the winners map and click the voting button.

Once you’ve registered your vote, you can encourage others to get involved too through social media using the hashtag #PeoplesChoice.

Councillor Colin Fitzgerald, Hastings Borough Council’s lead member for the environment said this week: “Our parks are fantastic places for all our residents and visitors to enjoy all year round.  The council is extremely proud to receive green flag awards for three outstanding parks in the town. The hardest part is choosing which one I like best!”

Voting opened last Saturday September 1st and closes on September 30th with the top ten sites being announced on October 16th.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Manager said: “This year 1883 parks and green spaces met the tough standards demanded by our Green Flag Award Judges but we want to know which parks the UK public love the most.

“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 now.”