Richmond crowned London's best place to live – 'no accident', says council leader

Richmond has been named as London's best place to live, and that's 'no accident' according to Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts.

Councillor Roberts said: "We've been the happiest place to live, we've been the safest place to live, we've been the healthiest place to live, we've been the most recommended place to live, and now The Times has confirmed what we've all known for years, Richmond is the best place to live in London.

"And it's no accident that the judges came to that conclusion. When you have gorgeous views of the River Thames that inspired Turner on your doorstep, when you have the wild majesty of Richmond Park just up the road, the gorgeous splendours of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, along with some of London's best open spaces, shops and restaurants, what's not to like?'

Councillor Roberts continued: "And I believe this accolade recognises the investment we've been making in Richmond as a council. Our schools are regularly rated as among the best in the country, our borough is regularly heralded as the safest borough in London, our children's services have been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted, our adult social services have been rated as 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission and our parks and open spaces have won more awards than you can shake a Green Flag at.

"And finally, this award is a tribute to the people who live here, the people who make Richmond so very special. This is very much their award and it is thoroughly deserved."