Parks could win facelift

Voting has now closed in the competition which could see two of the borough s parks get massive facelifts. Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has short-listed 47 parks across the capital, ten of which will receive �400,000 each. Mayesbrook in Dagenham and Abb

Voting has now closed in the competition which could see two of the borough's parks get massive facelifts.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has short-listed 47 parks across the capital, ten of which will receive �400,000 each.

Mayesbrook in Dagenham and Abbey Green in Barking are on the list. But in order to get the cash they must finish in the top ten after all the public votes are counted.

Cllr Bob Little, Executive Member for Parks, has been encouraging residents to vote over the past few weeks.

He said: "We have had a great response for these much loved parks, we needed to get the whole borough behind the campaign with one last push for votes."

If Mayesbrook is chosen the money will be spent on a new cafe, toilet and playground and a new haven for wildlife.

The lakes will also be improved so that boating and fishing can be enjoyed.

Abbey Green, if successful, will get a performance area for cultural events.

In order to get the cash they must finish in the top 10.

And a major prize of �2 million will go to one just park in London, which will be chosen by Boris Johnson.

There have been 80,000 votes across the capital, and the results are due to be announced next month.