A much-loved trampoline has put the spring back into Mortlake's step - but residents were shocked to hear it may be removed by the end of the week.

Parents and children living in Kindell House, in High Street, have enjoyed bouncing about in the block of flat's garden throughout the summer.

Not only has the trampoline brought the community together but some have even espoused its healthy benefits claiming some of the children who have spent the summer bouncing around on it have lost weight.

But Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP), who manages the property, has requested its removal, prompting dismay from the woman responsible for it.

Jane Ruddy, 51, said: "It has a great big net around it but if it comes down to health and safety, we will pay for the insurance.

"People go on about obesity and kids hanging around in the street and it is a nice garden that doesn't get used so it makes sense to have something there for the children.

"One mum told me that her kid had lost loads of weight."

Ms Ruddy spent £250 on the trampoline, which she said is being used every day by children who live in the 14-flat estate.

She said: "The residents have sent a letter to RHP saying they like it and are happy with it and that the kids are being supervised.

"What really annoyed me though was RHP saying it was ruining the garden for the other residents.

"We all live in cramped accommodation and it is keeping the children out of trouble - the children get to know one another and one of the parents even bought me a bottle of wine to say thank you.

"It really is health and safety gone mad."

She added that RHP first asked for the trampoline to be removed three weeks ago and then sent another letter demanding it is removed by the end of this week.

Mortlake Councillor Richard Martin said "balancing the needs of all residents" had to be the main priority in resolving the issue.

He added: "The main thing is making sure that everyone is happy.

"I don't know anything more about it but it would be common sense to make sure everyone is in agreement.

"I will investigate it further and I can see both sides of the argument - on one hand, it is great to have kids playing out in the garden but everyone has got to be happy with it."

RHP did not reply to the Richmond and Twickenham Times's request for a comment at the time of going to press.