An MP has backed a campaign calling for extra funding for a “dangerous and frequently flooded” playground used regularly by hundreds of parents next to a school.

Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Woodford Green, and Conservative councillor Emma Best of the Church End ward, met with campaigners at the playground located opposite Churchfields Infant and Junior School in South Woodford.

A petition, started by mother-of-two Nicola Wyndham, 43, of Abbotsford Garden in Woodford Green, and signed by around 800 people, was handed in at the full council meeting in November.

But Redbridge council only took a few days to reject claims that it was neglected, saying an inspection had found the site was “fully safe and fit for purpose”. 

It blamed the waterlogging on a natural incline in the landscape and cabinet member for finance, Cllr Kam Rai, pointed out that £80K was invested in the park in 2009, which should have lasted 25 years.

After this ruling was appealed, Redbridge council’s Overview Committee in April earlier this year agreed that a working group will be set up to look into issues at the playground.

Today (May 22) Mr Duncan Smith visited the playground and was scathing in his criticism of its state.

He said: “The playground is dangerous for children with uneven surfaces, bumps in the surfaces, dips and holes.

 “It is frequently flooded at different times of the year and this is unacceptable, a solution needs to be found.

“It needs investment to set things right, I don't agree that the council will find it difficult to fund as it wouldn’t cost much.

“Otherwise the park, which is a great help to parents and in a perfect location next to a school, will become unusable.”

The working group is set to meet for the first time next month.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Campaigners brave the winter weather in November at Churchfields Playground.