A LACK of funding and ancient bylaws could scupper hopes of addressing a shortage of children's play facilities.

A report by council officer Paul Umfreville, which will be presented to a town hall committee on Tuesday, says there is a lack of playgrounds in the west of Redbridge, with Monkhams in Woodford Green the only ward in the borough without one.

The authority has been negotiating for five years with landowners the City of Corporation of London in an attempt to find space for facilities.

But it has been left frustrated as the corporation is bound by bylaws preventing development on green space.

Despite signs that the corporation may have recently become more open to a proposal, the report warns that external sources of funding for such projects are drying up due to government cuts.

It states: "Whilst the Corporation's position may be changing, the opportunity for external funding for such facilities has reduced - the cost to develop each facility would be approximately £60,000."

Robin Turbefield, cabinet member for Leisure, confirmed the corporation appears to be softening its stance.

He said: "One of the things we think could work would be a natural play area with logs and things like that. The Corporation are warming to the idea as long it isn't a couple of red and yellow swings.

"There is definitely a need for children to have somewhere structured to play."

Mum-of-three Janet Oliver, 40, of Broomhill Walk, Woodford Green insists a play area in Monkhams ward is needed.

She said: "If they had gone ahead a few years ago when the economy was much stronger, we might have our playground.

"It just seems such a shame to have that great big space in the centre of Woodford Green that can't be built on.

"It doesn't have to be a great big thing made of iron. Anything they do will be very popular with families in the area."

A council spokesman said: "The external funding was from the former department for Children, Schools and Families and BIG Lottery under the previous Government. It was a three year programme, which has now concluded. Officers constantly look for external funding to develop our parks and open spaces.

"The council would like to develop a play facility in the west of the Borough but does not have a suitable site on its own land for a play facility.

"The Chief Executive of Vision RCL and cabinet member for leisure met with the Corporation of London. The Corporation are sympathetic to the need and agreed they would further discuss the suitability of natural play areas on their land."

City of London Corporation have been asked to comment.

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