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Volunteers, including Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, clean up Pavilion Way sports pitches

A sports ground in Burnt Oak has received a summer spruce-up from campaigners fighting to keep it open to the public.

About ten volunteers, including Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, tackled the forlorn football pitches at the Deansbrook Sports Centre, in Pavilion Way, to make the area safer for children.

The group spent more than two hours removing waste and brambles from the site, which has been the point of much conflict between Barnet Council and residents, who want to ensure the facilities are kept free for public use.

Terry Revill, who runs Flash Musicals Youth Theatre, has opposed council plans to sell off the land to developers.

He feels the facility is crucial to the community.

He said: "Children have been playing on the site and now they can actually play football here without hurting themselves.

"We have sent the message to the council that after five years of deprivation we are now giving the kids a safer place to play."

Mr Dismore, who has supported the residents throughout, said: "I am amazed at what a difference the work made and it shows the council that if enough people get their finger out a lot can be done.

"We wouldn't have spent all that time on it if we didn't think it wasn't a much-needed facility."

Residents are working on a business plan to show the council how they can preserve the sports centre for community use.

A council spokeswoman said: "We remain committed to working with any local group that submits a robust business plan for the site.

"Sadly to date no such plans have been forthcoming."

8:39am Friday 9th May 2008

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