FAMILIES have criticised a “daft” million-pound Government grant for playgrounds in Redbridge – because not a penny of it can be spent on repairs.

The £1.1million allocation can only be used for new “natural” play areas in the borough, despite the demands of hundreds of parents in Wanstead who want more cash to help fix the worn out swings and climbing frames in Christchurch Green.

It comes as documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the council itself admits some of the equipment there is “unsatisfactory” and needs replacing.

The 15-year-old swings have been found to have metal fatigue, signs need repairing, a piece of equipment has reportedly come loose, and many seats are also worn out.

Despite some repairs in recent weeks at the site, plus the recent award of a £5,000 grant from the council last month, campaigners say still not enough is being done.

Father-of-two Scott Shillum said: “The whole thing is daft that the council has this money from the Government but cannot spend it on our playground. It's crazy.

“You can't wrap kids in cotton wool but I think there are some pieces of equipment that have been used so much that they have reached the end of their natural lives.”

The council has said it has so far been unable to find a suitable site for a new play area in Wanstead which it could spend the Government money on.

Mr Shillum said: “One extreme thing the council could do would be to completely remove the old playground, then they'd been able to replace all the equipment and call it a 'new' playground as laid out by the Government. But it shouldn't have to come to that.”

Mum-of-two, Jane Cresswell, of Chaucer Road, said she plans to take her children elsewhere until the site is properly fixed.

She said: "It's never been in a great state because it's so heavily used, but it's in a particularly bad way now.”

Meanwhile, campaigners are still waiting for a promised meeting with council officers to discuss how to improve the play area.

A council spokeswoman said: "The council would never put children’s safety at risk and that is why the play area at Christchurch Green is inspected on a monthly basis by external contractors and any repairs are made on a priority need basis.

"Council officers also visit the site every day and can report back any issues that may arise.

"All of the repairs that were assessed as needing prompt attention at the last inspection have either been carried out or are in the process of being carried out.

"As with any well used play facility, the equipment at Christchurch Green will need repairs over its lifetime but this does not mean it is unsafe to use. Officers have had discussions with residents about the play area and are in the process of setting up a meeting to discuss how best to use the £5,000 funds committed through area committee one.

"Maintenance works are continually carried out when necessary to ensure the equipment is safe to use.

"The funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families is to provide new natural play facilities in the borough from 2008 - 2011.

"The criteria for the grant does not allow us to repair or maintain existing play equipment in the borough already."