Gold gongs for Ravenscourt and Frank Banfield Parks

Parks and premises across Hammersmith and Fulham have won a total of 16 prizes in the London in Bloom awards - led by gold awards for Ravenscourt and Frank Banfield Parks, plus Little Wormwood Scrubs.

Judges, who visited Hammersmithand Fulham in the summer, awarded the borough as a whole a Silver Gilt award, saying the council " continues to maintain their parks and open spaces to high standards. A major success for such a small team."

The borough won 15 individual prizes Frank Banfield Park close to Hammersmith's riverside won a Gold Award. The park has seen major improvements recently and features a new children's play area, attractive new landscaping, improved railings and gates and new benches.

Hammersmith's Ravenscourt Park also won a Gold Award. The park is a scenic green space with tennis courts, basketball court, bowling green, lake and a café. Beyond the café and by the entrance to Paddenswick Road is a beautiful walled rose garden.

H&F also shared a Gold award with the Royal Borough of Kensington Chelsea for Little Wormwood Scrubs. This park belongs to H&F but is used mostly by residents who live over the border in Kensington and Chelsea. As a result, Kensington and Chelsea Council maintain the park under a 20 year agreement.

In addition, Hammersmith Park, Margravine Cemetery, Wormwood Scrubs and Normand Park were given Silver Gilt Awards. Hammersmith town centre and HammersmithLondon (BID) won Silver awards.

Imperial Park at Imperial Wharf was named business premises of the year and the Novotel in Hammersmith came third in the Hotel of the Year category.

The Cross Keys Pub in Hammersmith finished in third for Pub and Restaurant of the Year and Phoenix Farm won the same award in the Community Garden Category.

The Mayor of the borough was delighted with the news. Cllr Frances Stainton said:" “I am thrilled,  also for friends of our parks and businesses, that we have won so many London in Bloom Awards.

" Our wonderful parks and open spaces have never looked so good and I am glad that they are now getting the recognition that they so richly deserve. We are combining many of our services with Kensington and Chelsea and to share the Gold Award for Little Wormwood Scrubs really does cement our close relationship."

This is the second time our parks have been recognised this year. In July, Ravenscourt Park, Frank Banfield Park and Margravine Cemetery, Normand Park, St Peter’s Square and Little Wormwood Scrubs collected prestigious Green Flag Awards.

September 28, 2011