Ipswich, England - January 4, 2006 - Small, user friendly, with a light foot print and perfect for easy access to all areas is how Lawrie Thompson, Grounds Service Manager at Tynedale Council in Hexham describes his new E-Z-GO MPT electric utility vehicle.

The Council purchased the MPT recently to assist its grounds care team with the maintenance of Hexham Parks, situated in the lee of the historic Abbey in the centre of this ancient market town.

The parks consist of 9.64 hectares and the grounds have very important historical interest. The gardens were built in 1723 and now contain over 200 trees from a wide range of species and age group. There are two commemorative Oak trees planted by the Royal Forestry Society located within the Abbey grounds. The oldest tree marks the founding of the society in Hexham; the second marks its centenary.

Facilities in the park are quite varied with a children's play area, wheeled/skateboard area, bowling green, informal grassed areas with mixed herbaceous/shrub borders and a new 'sensory garden' accessible to individuals and families of all ages and abilities. A wide range of community events and activities are encouraged in the parks, which this year retained their Green Flag status for the third successive time.

Commenting Lawrie Thompson said, "We are very fortunate to have a local grounds care dealer like Rickerby Ltd, situated less than a mile away. They loaned us a vehicle last year for a long-term test and we were very impressed. It's very easy to use, is extremely quiet which makes it ideal for use in the park and has a versatile load bed; exactly the right height for tipping grass clippings and prunings into our recycling bins. It also dovetails with our Green Flag award environmental criteria being zero emission at the point of use."

As well as retaining Green Flag status, Hexham received three other accolades this year: Winners of Northumbria in Bloom; a Silver Gilt award and a special tourism award from Britain in Bloom; and winners of Country Life magazine's competition to find England's Favourite Market Town.