The impending closure of a much-loved childcare group which provided shelter following the riots has sparked protest among parents.

Croydon PlayZone, which offered free access to distressed parents in the aftermath of the riots, is set to lose its funding from Croydon Council in December.

Now, parents and carers have created a petition opposing the cut, gaining more than 350 signatures.

Last Friday, they gathered at the London Road site to make their feelings known.

Concerned parent Amechi Udo said: “It was one of the few businesses which re-opened very quickly after the fires and gave free access. Also crucially it’s a safe space.

“Children can still come and play; parents can still come and talk. People can come and spend time here and feel comfortable again.”

The centre, on London Road, is a Soft Play and Creative Centre for children under eight-years-old open to parents three times a day, every day, with sessions on weekends specifically for fathers.

Run by the Pre-school Learning Alliance, the centre was originally set up as part of the Sure Start Programme as a free play area with some family support available, but the Government stopped funding the programme in April.

The 41-year-old father-of-one said: “The Government is not thinking about the overall recovery of Croydon. In fact, I would say it’s failing Croydon. It’s failing the children. It’s failing the parents.”

Croydon Councillor Kathy Bee, Labour spokesperson for children, young people and learners in the area added: “It’s a really accessible site.

“If you move things somewhere else it doesn’t solve the problem here that people don’t have anywhere to go. It’s a combination of what is provided and where it’s located that makes it very good.”

Croydon cabinet member for children, young people and learners, Councillor Tim Pollard, responding to an email from Mr Udo, said: "The council’s intention has been to withdraw all funding at the end of the year, particularly as this is an expensive building and the lease is up for renewal in Feb 2012.

"Under the circumstances, we are now looking at whether we can extend this until the lease runs out at the end of January."

He advised parents to use Ecclesbourne or Canterbury Road nurseries and said the PlayZone equipment would be sent to Fairchildes Children's Centre, New Addington.