Formula E has the Mayor of London’s backing but regular Battersea Park users are not too pleased about the manoeuvre.

Wandsworth Times:

Not universally popular: A group opposes the grand prix

Planned for June 27 and 28, the race set up starts on June 15 with dismantling and reinstatement to be complete by July 3.

John Fox, 55, a chartered surveyor and spokesman for Battersea Park Formula E Action Group, said: "Clearly a Grade II listed park is not the place for cars to be driving around its carriage driveways and car parks at as much as 140mph. In fact the normal speed limit is 12mph.

"The park is a peaceful tranquil place for all to enjoy and a haven for wildlife as well as key to local people for sport recreation and general wellbeing."

Last week Wandsworth Council announced 2,000 free tickets would be going to schools and housing estates near to the park.

Mr Fox said because large areas of the park would be closed school sports days, sport events and visitors the children’s zoo will be impacted. However the council said two sections of the park would remain for non racegoers.

Mr Fox was adamant allowing the park to be changed "for a two hour car race is indefensible".

A council spokesman said: "Before granting permission we consulted extensively with local residents, amenity groups, the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.

"The whole process was conducted openly and transparently from start to finish and with high levels of public scrutiny.

"The organisers have guaranteed a £1m funding pot to improve Battersea Park and have also paid for the extensive improvements to the badly rutted and uneven car parks and other existing tarmac-covered road surfaces. "We want residents to enjoy this event but equally we are determined that the park’s greenery should be maintained and protected and that is precisely what we have done."