A huge funding boost could be coming to Croydon’s parks, providing residents lodge their votes.

London Mayor Boris Johnson announced the scheme to regenerate 10 open spaces in London which will each receive a grant of £400,000.

Norbury Park and Wandle Park are both in the running for the cash injection which can be used to make them safer and more enjoyable.

Boris Johnson said: “I urge residents of Croydon to use their vote so the most deserving parks in the capital benefit from 10 hefty prizes. This investment will make the capital’s open spaces cleaner, safer, greener and more enjoyable places for Londoners to use.

“Parks provide a free place for families to enjoy time out and often simple improvements such as better play areas and improved lighting can make a real difference in making parks much more attractive and safer for people to use.”

The move has been backed by London Assembly member Steve O’Connell who has pleaded to residents to register their vote for Croydon’s parks.

He said: “There are such a range of improvements offered to the winning parks, from new playgrounds and cafes, to better lighting, flower gardens and allotment areas. This is a fantastic opportunity for my constituents to help improve their green spaces.

“The shortlisted parks in Croydon and Sutton are Norbury Park with Thornton Heath, Wandle Park and Wandle Valley. I strongly urge local residents to vote. We would all be able to enjoy the benefits if these parks are improved.”

The two parks are among 47 in London competing for the money, which has been released after Mr Johnson stripped the previous administration’s publicity budget.

The £6m funding will transform the 10 open spaces over the next four years.

The cash could fund a new children’s play area, a skate park, an improved sports pavilion, toilets and even the re-discovery of the River Wandle, which was buried below ground 40 years ago.

Croydon’s chances of winning an award are doubled with Norbury Park with Thornton Heath recreation ground also on the shortlist.

The Mayor will also award a single grant of up to £2m to one large park for a makeover. This grant will be decided by the Mayor rather than by public vote, with the advice of a panel of experts.

Londoners can vote to choose which parks get the £400,000 simply by logging on to london.gov.uk/parksvote, by text message or by postal vote. Voting closes on Friday, January 30.