Wins Gold Awards from London's Mayor in recognition of the hard work

Two Chiswick parks have been recognised by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson for their hard work in combatting crime and creating beautiful open green spaces.

Chiswick House and Gardens and Dukes Meadows received the Mayor’s Gold Award, which will be presented to Friends of Parks groups and other organisations who have worked in partnership with councils and the police to target anti-social behaviour and revitalise these green areas.

At Chiswick House and Gardens, crime has been tackled by a number of initiatives including landscaping measures and a 24-hour warden service to patrol and respond to anti-social behaviour in the park.

Sarah Finch-Crisp, Director of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust said: "We are delighted to receive a Gold Safer Parks Award which recognises the transformation which has taken place at Chiswick House. In addition to the restoration of these beautiful gardens and the provision of an award winning café, our Warden Service works very closely with park users and neighbours, our partners in the London Borough of Hounslow and the local police to create a safe and welcoming environment for all our visitors throughout the year".

Dukes Meadows was a considered a no-go zone a decade ago. Since the local community formed a Friends group, the park has since been transformed with £1m funding and is now a safe, popular place.

Kathleen Healy, chair of the Dukes Meadow Trust said: "There is a fantastic community around the Meadows that has worked hard to improve and keep an eye on the park. The award is testament to their efforts and the great support they have had from the council and local police."

Cllr Ed Mayne, Hounslow Council’s lead member for crime and community safety said: "This is fantastic recognition for these famous open spaces, and testament to the hard work put in by many local people, together with the police and the council, to make our parks somewhere safe for all residents and visitors to enjoy."

The Mayor’s Safer Parks Award is designed to ensure that Londoners can be proud of their local parks, participate in their development and feel confident to suggest improvements that increase safety in London’s public realm.

For more information see http://www.london.gov.uk/safer-parks

March 25, 2011