GREEN space services provided by Bolton Council, including parks and outside sports facilities, have been praised by the Audit Commission.

Management is good and opportunities for improvement are promising, says the commission.

Inspectors gave two stars out of a possible three-star rating because the council provided a good range of outdoor leisure facilities. Main strengths included its working with outside partners, an Investors in People award, and clear and challenging targets.

The green space management service covers urban and country parks, grounds maintenance, outdoor sports facilities, allotments, school grounds maintenance and community landscapes.

It has a budget of £5.46 million and employs 218 full time staff.