I am thrilled that Mayesbrook Park was awarded �400,000 investment funding in Mayor of London, Boris Johnson s Help a London Park campaign. The campaign was judged on public votes and an impressive 5,132 people voted in Barking and Dagenham. The huge a

I am thrilled that Mayesbrook Park was awarded �400,000 investment funding in Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's 'Help a London Park' campaign.

The campaign was judged on public votes and an impressive 5,132 people voted in Barking and Dagenham. The huge amount of votes highlights how much residents, workers, students and school children care about parks in the borough.

Forty seven parks were in the running and Mayesbrook Park was one of ten parks that won the cash injection.

The campaign was split into London regions and Mayesbrook received the most votes for the NE London category. It was up against nine other parks from the surrounding area.

The funding will make a great difference to the park - it will benefit from new facilities including play space, toilets and park furniture.

There are plans to create a haven for wildlife and new wetland and woodland habitats. The river will also be improved to reduce flooding risk and the lakes will be improved so that fishing and boating can once again be enjoyed in the heart of the borough. It will be London's largest river restoration which will contribute to the Government's climate change agenda.

The council plans to consult with residents in the spring about the makeover.

I'd like to thank the hardworking park's team and everyone involved in the campaign. I'd also like to thank everyone who voted, we really could not have won this without you. This money will mean so much to the park and the people who work and live nearby.

Cllr Bob Little,

executive member for parks.

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