A man claims vehicular access to Crystal Palace Park hindered an ambulance attending a casualty and is demanding action.

Jasper Road resident John Payne was walking his dog when he noticed a fellow walker suffer a suspected heart attack.

Mr Payne, 69, said: “He was on a park bench when I walked past; I was about half way round and saw the ambulance outside.

“I made my way back and he was on the floor by this point, he was asking for water.

“I started trying to find out how the paramedic was going to get the ambulance into the park as all the vehicular gates were closed and locked.

“I phoned the council and after waiting for 25 minutes a woman picked up, I told them it was a life or death emergency, but the woman put me on hold. 25 minutes later I was still waiting.

“All this time went by and I thought what do I do? Eventually the music stopped and the police picked up.”

MORE TOP STORIES He says eventually the ambulance gained access, and he and another dog walker looked after the man’s dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Mr Payne, a member of the Crystal Palace Community Association, added: “The paramedic attending had to park some distance away in the National Sports Centre car park and then walk, carrying his equipment.”

A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service confirmed they were called at 9.35am and took a male patient to King’s Cross Hospital as a priority, arriving at 10.44am.

After the incident earlier this month Mr Payne says the man, in his 60s, was discharged from hospital yesterday (June 29).

He added: “I since found out he had a heart attack, he’s very lucky to be alive. Any longer and he could have died.

“I’m really angry; it’s not the first time it’s happened. Because it’s such a big park if they need to get an emergency vehicle in it’s difficult.

“There should be an emergency 24 hour line for these situations. Emergency vehicles should be able to gain access whenever needed.”

Coun Colin Smith, executive for environment, said: “Whilst it is true to say that the main switchboard response was poor that day as a result of a staff training exercise, pedestrian access can always be gained and it is far from unheard for blue light services to occasionally have to travel further than they would prefer to on foot.

“It is simply wrong in point of fact to suggest that the Council does not have an emergency response telephone service, notwithstanding that it never has been and never will be in a position to respond to absolutely anything at a moment’s notice.”