Campaigners aiming to kick out Barnet Council plans to redevelop an East Finchley Park are taking to the pitches in protest.

A community football match has been arranged for today (Saturday) at the Stanley Road playing fields, which residents hope will demonstrate to the council that it is a much used and needed open space.

They feel the area is under threat from development despite proposals from the community to provide continuing sports activities on the land.

Roger Chapman, chairman of the Finchley community development trust, which is supporting the sports plans, said: "The playing field, which is owned by the council, has been neglected by the council for over three years in the face of a clear need for local sports provision.

"We are deluged with reports of growing obesity in the population, of the need to improve health and provide facilities for our youth and how increasing participation in sports will help in all these areas."

The friendly football match, which is for the Stanley Road Challenge cup, is open to all residents between 12 noon and 2pm today.