THE people have spoken, in record numbers, and now two community projects will share £50,000.

Improvements to the children’s play areas in Shenley Park, in Shenley Avenue, Ruislip Manor, and Pine Gardens, in between Bessingby and Cavendish parks in Ruislip, were awarded the prize money in Hillingdon Council’s People’s Choice award on Wednesday last week.

The People’s Choice award, as part of the council’s Feel PROUD campaign, allowed people living in the borough to vote for the community project they wanted to receive the funding from the council’s Chrysalis programme. The council says it received a record 2,264 votes.

The two winning projects will share the prize fund of £50,000.

Geoff Brown, chairman of the Friends of Shenley Park, said: “They were very tight-lipped before the ceremony as to who would win, and rightly so because it’s nice to reveal these things on the night.

“We are very excited about it. We would like to give our thanks to the people that voted."

Carolyn Morrissey, of the Friends of Bessingby and Cavendish parks, was very pleased to hear of the Pine Gardens success.

“We were hopeful, but it is really exciting news to hear we won it.

“With money in a short supply it is nice to get something to make a difference. There have been lots of comments about the old fencing which was falling down in places, so we were in real need of replacing it.”

Councillor Douglas Mills, cabinet member for improvement, partnerships and community safety, gave the awards to the winners at the council’s Street Champions meeting held at Ruislip Manor Methodist Church in Torrington Road, Ruislip Manor.

Mr Mills said: “The People’s Choice Awards give our residents a voice and it’s been great to see them using it. We’ve received a record number of votes this year, which have helped us understand what our residents want to see in the borough.

“As a result, the Chrysalis funding will support two very worthy community projects and will help enhance the children’s play areas in two of our popular community parks.”