“Thank you” – that was the message from Crane Park supporters after Richmond and Hounslow residents voted in their droves to win £400k in funding for the open space.

Our readers were among those who voted for the park, which bridges the two boroughs, to receive a share in the funding to improve green spaces in the capital.

Crane Park received more votes than any other nominee in the competition, amassing 6,677 – 1,306 more than its closet rival, Wandle Park, which will also get £400k as a runner up.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, visited the park on Wednesday to announce the winners of the competition.

He said: “[The competition] has been an incredible success and we did not expect it would gain such enthusiasm and support.

“I am delighted to say Crane Park is among the victors – it is terrific.”

Chairman of the Friends of Crane Environment (Force), Rob Gray, was among those who campaigned for the park to take the top prize.

He personally thanked readers of the Richmond and Twickenham Time and the Hounslow and Brentford Times for their support.

“There’s a real sense it is an achievement for the community,” he added.

“We are going to extend the park – our vision we had four years ago was to link Hounslow Heath with Twickenham station.

“That would make the park 6km long – twice as long and twice as large.”

Crane park was among 10 parks across London which received a share in a £6m pot of cash.

The park missed out on the top prize of £2m, which went to Burgess Park in Southwark.

Mr Johnson said “UN style observers were brought in” to count the votes cast as part of a capital-wide public poll.

He described Wednesday’s announcement as a historic moment for all the winners and cheers went up form those gathered by the park’s Ellerman Avenue entrance when Crane was named as victor.

The changes to the park – in particular the size shift – could give Crane Park Metropolitan Park status and increase protection.

Richmond and Hounslow Councils plan to work with Force to shape its future.

Council leader, Serge Lourie, said: “We think that Crane Park is a hidden gem and we are delighted that the money from the GLA will enable us to make much needed improvements that will make it easier for people to come here.”

Councillor Martin Elengorn, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this money from the Mayor’s Priority Parks Fund.

"Crane Park is one of a number of very special green spaces that we are fortunate to have in Richmond, and in this case one that we share with our neighbouring borough of Hounslow.

“This money is going to allow us to give the park a much needed facelift and over the coming months we will be working together with officers and members from both councils to get the project under way.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this project a success especially Force who have been such staunch supporters throughout.

“I would also like to thank our local media for supporting our campaign but most of all I am grateful to the many members of the public who voted for Crane Park ensuring that we actually got the money that this fantastic little park deserves.”

Hounslow Council’s chairman of the west area, Councillor Linda Nakamura, said: “This prize money will not only provide many improvements for residents now, but will open the door for people to get involved and progress this wonderful area, attracting more and more use of our open space.”

What will the £400k be spent on

  • Parts of the valley which are currently unwelcoming or inaccessible will be opened up.
  • Cycle paths and footpaths will be improved along with any entrances in need of a makeover.
  • Sightlines will be improved through the woods so people feel safer and can enjoy views through the river - this might include development of woodland glades to serve as picnic spots, coppicing to create lighter spots and improve the biodiversity.
  • Installing more carved benches.
  • New signage and information panels.
  • A new footbridge across the river to encourage people from the boroughs on either side of the river to use the park - this will help people on the Hanworth side to access the Shot Tower environmental centre and the island nature reserve.
  • Tackling any eyesores such as graffiti and rubbish tips.