Rio Ferdinand's childhood playground in Peckham to remain open amid fears it would shut

Childhood dreams: Rio Ferdinand said the playground helped him realise his footballing ambitions
Michael Regan/Getty Images
Jamie Bullen1 October 2016

The playground where Rio Ferdinand honed his skills as a young kid in south London will not be shutting amid fears for its future, it was revealed today.

Hundreds of people including former Premier League stars Rio and his younger brother Anton backed a campaign to save the Leyton Square adventure playground in Peckham.

It was launched by residents following a perceived threat to the area's future.

But Southwark Council today branded an online petition launched to highlight its supposed plight as "unnecessary".

The council said the children's area was shut temporarily over safety fears but its future was secure.

Rio, who was capped 81 times for England, said the playground was a platform for his footballing dreams in an emotional plea for it to stay open.

The former Manchester United and West Ham defender wrote on Instagram: "Other than at home with my parents this is where I learnt how to win and lose, how to share, how to be a friend, how to appreciate all people, how to think positive and believe there was a life that I was capable of aiming for that was out of that playground/estate."

Staying open: Southwark Council said the playground would not shut
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Anton, who also played for West Ham and recently signed for Southend United, also called for the space to be preserved.

He tweeted: "Nice afternoon/evening at Leyton square adventure playground where it all started for me as a kid with all of the above in the picture the council CAN'T shut this place down it is the communities heart beat and keeps the youth off the street!!!"

But the footballing brothers' fears were dismissed as a "misunderstanding" by the council.

Cllr Maisie Anderson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Parks and Leisure, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that this is a misunderstanding and we have no plans to permanently close the Leyton Square site.

“We know local people are passionate about it, and although this petition is unnecessary, it’s great to see residents engaging with the council and telling us what’s important to them.

“The playground has been temporarily closed because it is unsafe but we are exploring options for improving the facilities and securing the long term future of Leyton Square, which we hope to begin talking to residents about shortly.”

Residents say the playground helps to keep children off the streets and out of trouble while it provides a meeting place to form lifelong friendships.

The space provides football coaching for youngsters with activities including pool, table tennis and ropes and swings also available.

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