Plans to resurface the only playground in a neighbourhood have been welcomed by parents, but there are calls rundown facilities to be improved.

Funding has been agreed for the play area at Christchurch Green in High Street, Wanstead, to be re-surfaced.

It is the only playground in Wanstead and Snaresbrook wards, and only one of four serving the whole of Wanstead, South Woodford and Woodford Green.

However, there are concerns over the state of the equipment, with claims it is not suitable for younger children and far short of the standards elsewhere.

Redbridge council has been approached for comment.

A council spokeswoman said: "Areas to develop play were sought when the borough received funding for play development from the DCSF. Most of the land in Wanstead and Snaresbrook is owned by Corporation of London and no suitable sites were found.

"Some funding was used to provide new equipment at Christchurch Green, Area Committee 1 also contributed toward replacement equipment around the same time .

"The reinstatement works planned for the playground is estimated to cost between £10,000 and £13,000.

"It is anticipated that the work will take place in autumn /winter but this is weather dependant. The playground will be closed during this time. It could be 4-6 weeks but it is hard to determine until the work starts. Re-opening will also depend on the grass recovery and weather.

"There are no plans to develop new sites."

For more on this story, see this week's Wanstead & Woodford Guardian - out Thursday