FOUR Oxford parks have been named among Britain’s best open spaces.

Bury Knowle Park, Florence Park, Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, and Hinksey Park have all been awarded “Green Flag” status.

Parks are judged against criteria including cleanliness, community involvement and safety.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxford City Council’s executive member for sports and parks, said: “I am really pleased the hard work of our staff has paid off.

“Officers take pride in their work and want to maintain a good standard throughout our parks.

“This has now been proven by our latest achievement.

He added: “We want to make sure we keep this high standard and continue to promote the benefits of the park to the environment and community.”

The council has recently approved new rules to help clean up city parks.

New dog control orders mean the number of dogs one person can walk will be limited to four and council wardens will be able request owners put their dogs on a lead. Dogs will also be banned from play areas.

The moves angered some pet owners, but the council said the rules were in response to resident feedback.

In addition, the council’s planting budget has been pruned as it seeks to save around £9m over four years.

The authority has also introduced controversial parking charges at its recreation grounds, including Cutteslowe and Hinksey.

Mr Lygo said the council was aiming to have Blackbird Leys park recognised in next year’s awards.

The Green Flag award was founded in 1996 as a way of recognising the best green spaces throughout the country and is now the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.

This year 1,200 parks were awarded the Green Flag nationwide.

The awards are made annually and winners have to reapply each year.