Campaigners fight five-a-side plans for Tooting Bec Common

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Wandsworth council wants to create 12 floodlit, five-a-side football pitches on a section of the common - to the horror of the Open Spaces Society.

Kate Ashbrook, the society's general secretary, said: "We strongly oppose the use of Tooting Bec Common for football pitches, which will be fenced and therefore not accessible to the public. They will both suburbanise the common and reduce people's freedom to enjoy this wonderful oasis."

The council said it was responding to calls from residents, particularly parents, for new sports facilities.

A spokesman said: "This part of the common is tucked away between two railway lines, is not a grassed area and has already been built on. It is currently home to a disused youth club, playground and one o'clock centre, which are all in need of refurbishment. It also has some existing floodlit allweather pitches". He said the council planned to add an area of similar size to the common, which would be within 200 yards of the proposed pitches.

But Ms Ashbrook said: "We shall help local campaigners to fight the scheme and ensure the council follows the proper legal processes."