Sydenham and Penge lose parks cash competition to Greenwich

9.21.13am GMT Fri 6th Mar 2009

Two local parks shortlisted for an injection of City Hall cash have lost out to green spaces in Greenwich following a pan-London public vote. Mayow Park in Sydenham and a group of parks in Penge, including Betts Park, were nominated to receive cash to help spruce up the public spaces as part of the 'Help a London Park' initiative. In the south eastern area of London, only two parks received the money: Avery Hill and Parish Wood Park, both in Greenwich borough.

Cllr Alex Feakes, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Lewisham West & Penge constituency, which includes both parks, said: "it's a great shame that these two wonderful green spaces have lost out on this extra cash: they would have benefited from new seating, signage and games areas, as well as from improved planting."

"It's a pity that two close-together parks in the same borough will be benefiting - it would have been better to spread out the money. In the end, however, it was a close run thing - Mayow Park only lost out by a couple of hundred votes."

"I hope that Bromley and Lewisham councils will take advantage of the interest and enthusiasm generated by the competition and get local people involved in improving and enjoying their local parks."

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View the results of the votes here.