Parents and children living in Malinslee delivered a petition to Telford & Wrekin Council this week demanding a new play area and the re-opening of their community centre.
The petition, which had been signed by 200 residents, was presented to Councillor Steve Bentley, cabinet member for lifestyle, by borough councillor Kuldip Sahota and local MP, David Wright.
Councillor Sahota has been campaigning for a play area for local children since March, raising concerns that young people were not using the Old Park School facilities since the community centre had closed down, and demanding that the council reopen the facility.
He said: “Malinslee is in desperate need of better community facilities and I find is absolutely appalling that not only do we not have a play area in Malinslee, but the council has also reneged on its promise of £26,000 compensation funding for lack of this much-needed facility.
“This decision caused anger in the community, resulting in voluntary community workers entering into the argument to have these facilities built.
“No play area and no summer play activities funding - Malinslee children have been let down by this council.”
Babs Graham, local resident and volunteer worker for Malinslee, said: “The more pressure we put on the council the better chance we have of succeeding in our mission for a new play area and re-opening of our community centre.
“That’s why I’m calling on all mums, dads and toddlers to fight for what was promised to us.”
David Wright MP said he would write to the council to ask that the funding situation be looked into immediately.
He added: “I have been working alongside Cllr Sahota and the residents of Malinslee on this issue and I know the strength of feeling by residents.”
By Pam Griffin