Residents flocked to a popular green space in Queen’s Park on Saturday to support of proposals to build a new play area in the vicinity.

More than 75 people gathered on Tiverton Green to urge Brent Council planning committee to support the scheme.

Ruth Dar of Aylestone Park Residents’ and Tenants’ Association (APRATA) said: “Everyone is pleased with the improvements in recent years and excited about the new plans for the disused tennis courts - an eyesore since they fell into disrepair in the mid-1970s.

“So we eagerly await the planning committee’s decision.”

Under current proposals, a multi-use games area will be installed within the open space, boasting an outdoor table tennis tables and a transverse climbing wall.

Other features of area would include jogging routes, grass mounds and associated landscaping works.

Local campaign group Friends of Tiverton Green, a branch of APRATA, has secured a £40,000 grant to fund the proposed developments as part of a wider regeneration project, which has already seen the installation of an outdoor gym – paid for by the NHS.

Cllr James Denselow, lead member for customers and citizens, who also represents the Queen’s Park ward, said: “I’d like to congratulate the residents and students from Queen’s Park Community School and Malorees for their drive and determination to work to improve the barren bottom of Tiverton Green.

“This plan is a great chance to create a space that generations of children can enjoy. I hope that the planning committee can agree and give it the green light”.

Nathan Brown, of Crediton Road, Kensal Rise, said: “The 21st century challenge for us all is to get away from our screens and sofas and get out and about.

“This is especially true for kids and teenagers, the plans for Tiverton will contribute to this massively.”

However some residents claim the plans would result in added parking pressure, an increase in noise and the potential growth of anti-social behaviour at night.

One resident living on The Avenue, which runs adjacent to the popular greenery, said: “Most other parks in London including Queens Park are patrolled by park keepers and locked at a reasonable time (generally dusk).

“Why can this not be the case with Tiverton Green or at least the proposed games area?”

Cllr Carol Shaw, who represents the Brondesbury ward, said: “I welcome the plans in principle which would be tremendous for the children in the local area.

“It is a great use of neglected space and will provide a brilliant local amenity for the community, but I have been informed of objections to the plans by residents I represent, so it’s my job to ensure that their concerns are heard.”

The committee were due to make their decision as the Times went to press yesterday (Wednesday).

For an update visit www.kilburntimes.co.uk.