Plans for a temporary Olympic car park on playing fields in Barkingside have been shelved after residents petitioned against the proposal.

Redbridge Council was offering the fields by Starch House Lane to private bidders to run during the Games.

The area is currently used for playing football, dog-walking and recreation.

Today, Redbridge Council has announced the plans have been abandoned.

A spokesman said: “Both the contractor and the council have needed to review this proposal in the light of changing circumstances and residents’ views. It will not now go ahead.”

A number of residents from Starch House Lane were at a meeting of area committee three last week to vent their frustration at the plans for the 500-vehicle car park, which was propsoed to operate from 7am to 1am the next day during the Games.

Among them was Chris Thomas, 29, who has started a petition against the proposal.

He said he and neighbours were concerned about the operating hours and the potential safety risk to children living in the road.

The car park was due to be in place from July 27 to August 10.

A council spokesman said earlier this month that there was no legal requirement for planning permission to be sought for the car park because it will be in place for less than 28 days.