NEW security patrols have been put in place to make a children's playground safe from men looking for gay sex.

News Shopper exclusively revealed in December how parents were boycotting the playpark at Sidcup Place, Sidcup, because of the men loitering in the park and surrounding area.

Now Bexley Council and neighbourhood police officers from Sidcup and Longlands wards say they have "put in place a strategy to tackle worries about suspected illegal sexual activities".

Regular patrols will be carried out by the policing teams and the council's ward security team.

Officers have spoken to a number of residents about the problem and have gained a detailed picture of what has been happening in the area.

This was done in a bid to finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Regular checks are also being made on the nearby public toilets, where graffiti has been cleaned up.

And a metal security gate has been installed at the entrance to the ladies' toilets.

In December, one mum approached News Shopper about the problem.

Too frightened to be named, she said: "We noticed men had started loitering in the area and then disappeared into the bushes.

"I actually saw one man dropping his trousers as he went."

She claimed mums raised the issue with both police and the council, but nothing was done.

She added: "We cannot say what they are up to, but it makes us feel so uncomfortable, we have to leave."

The 35-year-old went on: "I don't care if it is heterosexual or homosexual, they shouldn't be using a children's play area for these activities.

"I would rather face a gang of youths in the park than this."

Sidcup councillor Mike Slaughter, who took up the issue, says he is delighted something is being done.

He said: "I will be pleased if we can move these people away from the children's play area."

Police inspector for Sidcup Simon Ashenden said: "I view incidents of this nature as significant allegations which my officers will treat seriously."