Anne Marie-Duff supports fight against artificial pitches on Tooting Common

Residents are campaigning to stop artificial pitches being built on Tooting Common.

Wandsworth council plans to earn £50,000 a year by leasing out part of Tooting Triangle to developers who want to build sports facilities there.

It says the area, including a playground, needs refurbishment, which would be paid for by the developers. It also promises to add nearby Woodfield Recreation Ground to the common, increasing the total green space by 7,500 square metres.

But locals say about 12 floodlit football pitches would take away their green space, ruin a wildlife habitat and increase traffic and noise pollution. They are supported by Anne-Marie Duff, who stars in new film The Waiting Room, which features Tooting Triangle. The actress said: "You can see from the film what a lovely place it is to go for a walk. I'd be really sorry to see it disappear."

A Wandsworth spokesman said: "This part of the common is tucked away between two railway lines and has already been built on. It is home to a disused youth club, a playground and one o'clock centre, which are all in need of refurbishment. It has existing floodlit all-weather pitches and is not a grassed area."