A councillor is demanding action to improve an area of parkland he claims is in an “atrocious” state.

Cllr Arjun Mittra has drawn up a “three-point plan” to tackle problems at Cherry Tree Wood, East Finchley, where he says bins regularly overflow and the basketball court surface is badly in need of repair.

It comes after councillors received reports of “painful injuries” to basketball players who fell on the current “uneven and damaged” concrete surface of the basketball court.

Cllr Mittra (Labour, East Finchley) said: “Barnet Council’s neglect of Cherry Tree Wood is shameful, and it is in an atrocious state. It is time Barnet invested properly in the wood and installed appropriate surfacing for the basketball and tennis courts.”

Cllr Mittra said the current surface of the courts is several decades old and upgrading it to a more suitable material had been on the agenda for years.

As well as resurfacing the courts, Cllr Mittra wants the council to ensure whoever is granted the lease to the kiosk in the park is given responsibility for emptying overflowing bins.

He said residents had been complaining to him for years about the bins, but the council told him it was unable to empty them more regularly.

The East Finchley councillor also wants better engagement with the local community on the management of Cherry Tree Wood, to ensure the council listens to people’s concerns.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “Inspections are regularly undertaken by the service across all our sites. Subject to equipment meeting health and safety standards, the courts will remain open.

“The site is due to be reviewed later this month. If deemed necessary, a temporary closure will be implemented until maintenance is complete.

“The council is seeking interest for the management and operation of the kiosk. Residents are reminded to place litter in bins or to take their rubbish with them when bins are full.”