A DILAPIDATED playground has been labelled as dangerous by mothers who demand the council take immediate action.

Residents claim the children's play area of Christchurch Green, Wanstead, has been neglected by Redbridge Council so much that it has become a target for vandals.

Spratt Hall Road Neighbourhood Watch chairwoman Deborah Selner addressed a meeting of Redbridge Council area one committee and told councillors that it is only a matter of time before an serious accident happened.

She said: "Major problems are general maintenance. The fence is very old and the large gate is always left open and unlocked. Two small gates haven't ever worked and small children can slip through.

"The soft surface by the roundabout is full of holes which is a hazard and a friend of mine actually cut her foot through her flip-flop from it recently. There is graffiti everywhere using obscene language which makes the area look shabby."

Wanstead Ward Councillor Alan Burgess agreed that work was urgently need on the sight and though that they children may have to be restricted from using the area immediately to prevent any accident.

He said: "I think we should of found this level of problems in this park before this time and I want to find out why we haven't heard about it before now. It only takes for some child to fall and hurt himself and the ramifications could be enormous."

The committee instructed council officer Steve Grayer to prepare a report on the playground and to act immediately with regards to the graffiti. Mr Grayer said: "As an engineer I will inspect the site and report back as soon as possible."