Jackie Baillie has urged constituents to cast their vote for either Levengrove or Balloch Castle Country Park as both are shortlisted to be named the UK’s Favourite Park.

It is now up to the public to decide which of their favourite greenspaces will scoop the honour which has been organised by Fields in Trust.

The two local parks are up against 362 parks and green spaces in the running to be awarded UK’s Favourite Park 2022 with voting open until noon on Thursday 18th August. Votes can be cast now with the parks with the most votes in each of the four Home Nations named National Favourites and the overall winner declared the UK’s Favourite Park 2022.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP said: “These two vital parks have been a lifeline to the community in recent years and continue to be a place where people of all ages can go and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

“I am absolutely thrilled that they have both been shortlisted and would encourage everyone to make sure their vote is cast.

“It would be such a fantastic honour if either Balloch Park or Levengrove was named the UK’s Favourite Park and would certainly be well deserved.”

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.

“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.”

You can cast your vote at https://www.fieldsintrust.org/favourite-parks/nominations