THERE will be no playtime for children at South Norwood Recreation Ground this year after rail contractors destroyed a play area as part of its works on a bridge.
Network Rail contractors have taken over the area to use for storage while it carries out works on Tennison Road Bridge - leaving just half a solitary see-saw.
While the play area will eventually be replaced by a new one, this will not be until the works are finished – estimated to be in spring next year.
Karen Jewitt, Labour councillor for Woodside, said: "We understand they might need the space but why can't they have built a new one in time for the works to start?
"A lot of kids from schools in the area want to use it so they will be very disappointed this year.
"The works are also having a horrible effect on traffic in the area and although we appreciate the works have to be carried out, it would have been nice if a little more thought was put into the planning."
The bridge works are a joint project between Network Rail and Croydon Council and started earlier this month, causing traffic chaos around the area.
A council spokesman said it was not practical to build a temporary playground.
The spokesman suggested children could use other nearby playgrounds in the meantime, and also stressed all the park's other facilities were available to use while the works are carried out.
Network Rail's temporary takeover of part of the recreation ground has sparked fears about the future of one of Croydon's biggest summer events.
But the organisers of the South Norwood Community Festival, attended by more than 5,000 people last summer, said they hope the event will go ahead as planned.
Organiser John Rother said: "I checked and I think it is only about eight per cent of the park taken up by the works.
"From a health and safety point of view it should not be a worry. We hope the council will help us overcome any problems that may arise."
