Oakfield and the future of King George Hospital’s A&E have been named the two most important issues for Ilford North’s new MP Wes Streeting.

Chairman of Barkingside 21 John Sharrock said: “If the Labour group start promoting the building of houses on the site we would hope our local MP would be supportive of the community.

“There’s so much pressure on local councils from above, from the government.

“I can’t believe there’s that many people who want houses built on that particular field.”

Mr Sharrock’s comments come after Conservative MP Lee Scott – who had spoken out against proposals to build 800 new homes on the playing fields – was unseated by Labour’s Wes Streeting, the deputy leader of Redbridge Council which put forward the option in its local development plan.

Mr Sharrock also said the future of King George Hospital’s A&E department – earmarked for closure – would be high-up on the list.

Alan Haymes, from the Redbridge Roundabout Action Group which is campaigning for traffic lights at the junction, said both Mr Scott and Mr Streeting – as a councillor –had committed to trying to solve the problem.

“We are confident that Wes will pick up where Lee left off in terms of being an MP,” he said.

“Being a member of the council he was very committed to try and progress things for the roundabout.”

Mr Scott presented a petition to parliament over the issue, later meeting with Mayor of London Boris Johnson – who was elected as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip yesterday (Thursday).

“[Mr Johnson’s] focus might be diminished,” warned Mr Haymes.

“We will continue our relationship with Mr Streeting to keep going in that direction.”