Concerned resident's warning as Fishponds Playing Fields sandpit 'sprayed with weedkiller'

A concerned resident has spoken out on social media today after reportedly seeing the sandpit in Fishponds Playing Fields sprayed with weedkiller.

The resident also claimed that one of the workers told them the Fields were closed to the public.

Wandsworth Council recently took the decision to reinstate the closure on 29th March.

The resident told Nub News: "We had two toddlers with us and they were spraying everywhere.

"Incredibly dangerous."

The Fields were granted open access throughout lockdown by the Council after calls from Forever Fishponds - a group that campaigns for the green space to be open to the public.

The Fields will soon only be accessible when booked for organised sports.

A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said: "As the name implies, Fishponds Playing Fields exists for the use of local schools, colleges and sports clubs for organised team sports like football, rugby and cricket.

"As one of a scarce number of designated sports pitch sites in the borough it is not compatible with general leisure use."

Forever Fishponds sent a letter to Councillor Steffi Stutters urging him to reconsider the decision.

Part of the letter reads:

"We particularly regret that the closure coincides with the beginning of Wandsworth schools' Easter holidays, a time when families need outdoor exercise opportunities and fresh air for their children more than ever.

"We appreciate that organised sport will be allowed to resume on 29th March, but in practical terms, it seems highly likely that bookings by clubs and schools will be low, especially as football will not be possible, now that the goals have been removed.

"For the most part, the Fields will stand empty and unused at a time when they could not be more needed."

Tooting Nub News has contacted Wandsworth Council for comment.