'Of course Richmond is the best place to live - what took you so long to notice?'

We’ve been recognised as the happiest place to live, the healthiest place to live, the safest place to live and the most recommended place to live. And just last weekend we received the ultimate endorsement when Richmond was recognised – by The Times no less – as the BEST place to live in London.

And to be frank, who can blame them for coming to this decision? According to Wordsworth, when he was fooling around on Westminster Bridge, the view that he enjoyed was proof that ‘Earth has not anything to show more fair’; which just goes to show that Wordsworth should have stuck to waxing lyrical about daffodils, because to be frank, Richmond picks up where Westminster left off.

It’s unfortunate that the powers that be at the Richmond and Twickenham Times limit me to just 450 words for these little prose poems, for I could fill many pages extolling the virtues of Richmond. I could, for example, wax lyrical about the splendour of the view of the Thames from Richmond Hill that has inspired visitors and innumerable artists, including JMW Turner, over the years.

And while it is only right that I draw your attention to the view from Richmond Hill, I would be wholly remiss in not commending the wild majesty of Richmond Park; indeed such is the beauty of Richmond Park that it was ranked by no less a person than our very own Sir David Attenborough as being his favourite place, not just in London, not just in the country but in the whole world!

And if we aren’t spoiled enough with Richmond Hill and Richmond Park, then how about we throw the unparalleled beauty of The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew into the mix? And let’s not forget that in addition to being a spectacular showcase for all things horticultural, Kew Gardens is a world class scientific institute.

And frankly, this is just scratching the surface of what Richmond has to offer. Let’s not forget that we have two fabulous theatres, a thriving town centre which is constantly attracting major companies, the riverside embankment which heaves with visitors all year round, and which is a favourite location for film makers the world over, and I haven’t even mentioned Richmond Green.

And of course all this is underpinned by the services the council provides, ‘outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted for our children’s services, a ‘good’ rating from the CQC for our adult social services, our schools are regularly recognised as being among the best in the country and our parks and open spaces have won more awards than you can shake a Green Flag at.

So, a big thank you to The Times for the award, but the question is what took you so long to notice?