The decision to not enter Waltham Forest parks to be recognised as among the best in the country has been defended by the council.

Only Lloyd Park in Walthamstow was awarded the prestigious Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy campaigners last week and Waltham Forest council has revealed that no other parks were entered due to a ‘lack of resources’.

2014 winners Ridgeway Park in Chingford, Langthorne Park in Leyton, and the Coronation Gardens in Leytonstone did not retain the coveted prize this year.

The Green Flag is awarded to parks that are well-maintained, well-managed with excellent facilities, and offer high-quality green spaces for residents to enjoy.

Neighbouring borough Redbridge had six parks accredited this year including South Woodford's Elmhurst Gardens, Goodmayes Park and Ilford War Memorial.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Waltham Forest council’s deputy leader, said he decided to not enter more the parks for the award but promised to invest a further £1million into 12 more play areas and six open spaces this year.

He said: “The Green Flag is a fantastic award to receive, but it’s one you have to apply for annually to stand a chance of securing or retaining the accolade and it will only ever be relevant to a handful of our parks.

“Unfortunately, entering a park for a Green Flag scheme requires significant resources and at a time when council revenue budgets for services like parks and green spaces is under increasing pressure.

“Lloyd Park was only entered into the latest Green Flag Awards as part of an agreement with the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we’re incredibly proud that judges agreed it is still worthy of Green Flag status.”