PARENTS campaigning for repairs to a Wanstead playground insist that the money allocated will only fund ‘a sticking plaster for a very deep wound.’

A total of £5,000 has been allocated from council funds for repairs to the run-down Christchurch play area, but disappointed residents at a council meeting on Monday said the figure would not even come close to funding the extensive improvement works that are necessary.

Wanstead councillor Sue Nolan admitted that the swings were at the end of their serviceable life and would have to be removed within 12 to 24 months, leaving children with few facilities left at the heavily-used park.

Father-of-two Scott Shillum, 43, from Cranbourne Avenue, presented councillors with a 300 name petition all of which were received in just one day around the play area.

He said: “My estimate to get the facilities up to scratch would be anywhere between £75,000 and £100,000 if we're really going to bring it up to the standards that we see in the rest of the borough.

“Thirty five thousand pounds has just been spent on leisure facilities at Wanstead High School but this not something younger children can use.”

“There's still nearly £27,000 uncommitted from the council's budget of £94,000 and we want to press to get some of that for the park, as £5,000 won't even cover the replacement of the swings.

“It's clear that there's a lot of strong feeling about this as it's really the only facility in Wanstead for young children.

“There's been a lack of investment for a long, long time and it will take more than a sticking plaster on a very deep wound.”

Parents also called for more rubber mats and better seating, but were told that benches attract youths and anti-social behaviour.

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: "The Council was successful in achieving a playbuilder grant from the Department for Children, Schools and Families for £1.1m to provide new natural play facilities over 3 years (2008 - 11).

"Through the programme, we are currently looking at improving play across the borough and one of our target areas is Aldersbrook and Wanstead.

"However, it has been difficult to find a suitable location for new provision in the Wanstead area.

"The DSCF criteria stipulates that monies could only fund play provision, which includes providing new natural play facilities for young people aged 8 - 13 years.

"The funding cannot be used for replacing existing play equipment such as swings, benches or undertaking maintenance works.

"Officers will work with colleagues from area one to look at what further improvements works they would like the £5,000 allocated towards and will continue to explore opportunities to provide more play facilities in the local area."