Chippenham Town Council wants to achieve Green Flag status for John Coles park by the end of 2012.

The scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country, with a record 1,200 awards granted last year to parks and similar places.

Head of service delivery Adrian Jones said: “This is just another way of getting official recognition for Chippenham.

“We regularly receive compliments about John Coles park from residents and visitors.

“We often hear from the bowls club about how beautiful the park is, and how lovely it is to do nothing but play in the sunshine with the band playing in the background.”

The award is similar to the Blue Flag award given to beaches.

A number of criteria need to be met before it can be granted and the council will be applying in January next year.

Mr Jones said: “It is a long journey, not something that can be started today and finished tomorrow. There’s a lot of preparation involved.”

Among the criteria to be considered are park management, signage, health and safety, littering, pesticides and activities.

Mr Jones said town councillors have been supportive.

“They have been very positive and delighted that we are giving this a go,” he said.

“We are doing this for the right reasons. It is the chance to have a nationally recognised emblem for our park.”

The money for the bid will come from the council’s running costs.