As a new games area is officially unveiled, a community group is calling for it to be made affordable for local people.

The multi-use games area (Muga) behind Canons Leisure Centre in Mitcham can be hired for football, tai chi, softball and many other outdoor activities for between £15 and £69 an hour.

But Sandra Vogel of the Mitcham Cricket Green Community & Heritage group (MCGCH) said she was disappointed pleas to make it affordable have been ignored. Ms Vogel said: "We are still disappointed that there has been no recognition of the fact that local people might struggle to afford to hire the pitches.

"We did ask when this went to the planning committee that there was some consideration for providing this for local people including young people at reduced rates but this was ignored."

The council said the pitches were free for schools to use during the school day and it will provide taxpayers value for money while being financially sustainable.

It costs £53.60 for an adult member of Canons Leisure Centre to hire a court per hour in peak times and £37.25 for off-peak times.

For adult non-members the cost rises to £69.70 per hour in peak times and £48.40 off-peak. A junior non-member can hire the courts for an hour for £22.45.

The muga is being managed by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) on behalf of the council and can be booked by contacting the leisure centre.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper said: "With GLL we’ve looked at games areas in neighbouring boroughs to make sure we offer a competitive price for this state of the art sporting facility.

"It will help people become more active and healthy, while providing local taxpayers value for money and ensuring it remains financially sustainable.

"Local primary schools will also have free access during the school daytime, so it really will serve the whole community."

The site got funding from both Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

It was officially opened by the mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina this week.

Coun Akyigyina, said: "It was a pleasure to open the new multi-use games area at Canons. I hope many Merton residents enjoy it for years to come."