PARENTS are frustrated at the decision to close a playground which was a "lifeline" for stressed shoppers.

The play area at Lewisham Shopping Centre, Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, was closed in November because of safety concerns.

But parents are angry. They say the playground was popular with children and took the hassle away from their shopping experience.

Mother-of-two Audrey Thompson, 43, said: "It's a big loss. It was a great area for parents and children."

Miss Thompson, of Beacon Road, Hither Green, spent last week gathering signatures for a petition and has written to shopping centre manager Wayne Pearce.

In his response, Mr Pearce said the playground was removed because the centre has had "to take extra precautions to guarantee child safety".