Runners are continuing their campaign to stop charging Parkrun for use of Wandsworth's parks, after councillors agreed a six month trial of the event.

Last Thursday, Wandsworth Council approved proposals to allow amateur running group Parkrun to trial races in the borough's parks.

However, thousands of people have signed a petition against free Saturday runs being capped at 100 runners and an annual fee of £624 plus VAT - but Wandsworth Council said there was no cap.

A statement from the council said it welcomed the initiative, "subject to the council’s normal terms and conditions for large scale public events being successfully met".

Local campaigners said it was wrong to charge Parkrun for use of the boroughs’ parks and commons because it is a non-revenue raising and volunteer run organisation, though it has since been revealed that a similar charge applies in Richmond.

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan said: "It is hugely disappointing that Wandsworth Council refused to do something that 300 councils across the country have supported.

"I share local disappointment that again the council have been shown to put profit first over what is best for our community, and I will continue to work with campaigners to keep the pressure on the council and bring Parkrun to Wandsworth."

The council said its terms and conditions were designed to ensure widely-attended events were managed safely, properly stewarded and had plans in case of medical emergencies. The council said it also had to consider litter left behind and potential damage to public spaces.

The council is going to offer Parkrun a grant from its public health budget to help fund the initiative, similar to Richmond Park.

Wandsworth’s community services spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: "It was interesting to learn that our proposal to fund this healthy initiative mirrors the type of financial arrangement that allows Parkrun to operate in neighbouring Richmond.

"This should mean there is no financial obstacle to them organising runs in Wandsworth "Our officers will now meet with the group’s representatives as we look to move this process forward so that local people can start taking part in Parkrun’s Wandsworth events."