A new outdoor gym on a Chingford estate will bring the community together, according to the woman who first pitched the idea.

Arnett Square resident, Linda Magill, suggested the gym last year after being impressed by the success of other outdoor gyms in the borough were.

This week councillors announced that after “very positive” feedback from residents, around £15,000 has been secured for the project in the square, which is part of Chingford Hall estate.

“I’m well chuffed,” Linda Magill said.

The Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme duty manager added:  “There are a lot of people who are overweight and want to get fit but can’t afford the gym and there was surplus money – instead of letting it sit there let’s put it back into the community.

“It will definitely bring the community together, 1,000 per cent, I don’t have any doubts.”

The 43-year-old mother-of-two, who is also part of the safer neighbourhood team, said the “great community” was ready for the development as the park already had the space to fit a gym.

She added: “The fantastic thing is that it’s open to all walks of life, it’s for everybody not just a specific group.”

Valley ward Conservative councillor Jemma Hemsted said: “We [Valley ward councillors] are very excited that Valley ward will soon have its very first outdoor gym and we hope that residents will soon be able to enjoy making use of the new facilities.”

Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith said: “This outdoor gym is a fantastic idea and the local councillors in this ward – Jemma Hemsted, Alan Siggers and Laurence Wedderburn – have clearly worked hard to get this result for residents. I look forward very much to seeing the end result in a few months’ time.”

The gym is expected to be ready for use by the end of spring.