The new chairman of a conservation group has vowed to remove an endangered park from the national ‘at risk’ register.

John Meehan, who has just been elected the new chairman of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands, has promised to save Wanstead Park from further deterioration after it was put on Historic England’s at risk register in 2009.

He has also committed to continue the work of former chairman Dwight Wood, in collaboration with the City of London Corporation who manage the park, to secure a £5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mr Meehan, an Aldersbrook resident for over 20 years, said: “This year is a crucial year for the park as the City of London considers whether to proceed with the HLF bid to restore and improve the park’s unique historical and natural features.

“I look forward to working with the City and residents to ensure this much-loved park is taken off the at risk register.”

Currently head of environment and flood management at Essex County Council, Mr Meehan managed the Essex Parklands Programme among other conservation projects.

After its AGM last month, Friends of Wanstead Parklands also elected a new vice chairman, Jo Blackman.

Also chairman of the Aldersbrook Playground Campaign, Ms Blackman wants part of the HLF grant to be spent on creating a natural play area for children in Aldersbrook.

Parents in the area currently have to walk 45 minutes to Christchurch Green in Wanstead to take their children to the playground.