NEW £80,000 multi-use sports facilities have opened after five years of delays.

The cash was originally earmarked for a skate park in the west of the borough but wheels came off plans when no suitable site could be found.

So last year Redbridge Council's area one committee decided to re-allocate funding for a games area next to Wanstead High School for young people to play football, cricket and basketball.

Musician Will Kelly, of Highstone Avenue, Wanstead, attended Trinity Catholic High School and told the Guardian the new proposals were exactly what was needed.

He said: “Definitely it’s a good idea as once I moved away to university it became obvious to me just how little sports facilities were available in Wanstead and Woodford.

“We used to go to Ashton playing fields but with better pitches nearby it will keep kids off the street and be a positive addition.”

Wanstead ward Cllr Michelle Dunn said: “I'm pleased that the money has finally been spent on something so worthwhile.”

Work started on the new games area in April with Wanstead High School having use during school hours and everyone able to share the equipment at other times.

But not everyone was happy with the proposals.

Dan Donovan, of Ashford Road, South Woodford, attends Epping Forest College and presented a 350-signature petition from half-piping young people calling for a skate park to the council last April.

The 18-year-old media and photography student said: “There's still definitely a need for a skate park as at the moment if you want to practice you need to go to either Mile End or Epping.

“Especially now it's summer there's a lot of young people who could be outside exercising rather than staying indoors or getting into trouble.

“The council came across quite well but I don't think they put enough effort in as we come up with loads of ideas but they just shot us down.

“The last contact I had with the council was about four months ago when I tried to set up a meeting but since then I've not heard anything.”