More details have emerged of the problems that led to the suspension of Finsbury Park’s green flag status.

The mystery shopper report from charity Keep Britain Tidy – which oversees the green flag award – lists a range of “major concerns” requiring “urgent attention” at the park, which is managed by Haringey Council.

The report’s author graded the park red – the lowest rating on the traffic-light system used to gauge the state of parks – following a visit on October 3.

The report says staff were seen “driving around looking for litter or looking into bins” but “were observed just driving about and not getting out of the vehicles and actually picking any litter or doing any work”.

At the entrance near Finsbury Park station, the inspector observed laughing gas canisters and dog fouling, adding that a rat ran across the footpath and “startled a couple of walkers”.

Signs were found to be “very dirty”, while some of the footpaths had been damaged by vehicles and a collapsible bollard lying in the middle of one path constituted a “major trip hazard”.

The inspector said play equipment was “poorly maintained” with “some damaged and dangerous items of equipment”, adding that a wooden climbing fort should be removed for safety reasons.

The Hope picnic area was branded a “total disgrace”, while an area at the centre of the park was said to be “teeming with rats”.

Picnic benches were said to be in a “poor condition and should be removed”, while some bins had open or missing doors.

There were “several examples of litter strewn across the park”.

The inspector was satisfied with some aspects of the visit, saying entrances were safe and accessible.

Toilets, cafes and other facilities were clean, well maintained and open, and safety equipment was said to be present, fit for purpose and in good condition.

Trees were “safe and in good condition”, while dog and other animal fouling was “adequately controlled”.

Haringey Council previously stated that major events such as Wireless Festival, which is held in Finsbury Park every summer, are not to blame for the suspension of the green flag status.

A council spokeswoman said: “In Haringey we have some amazing green spaces and we work tirelessly to keep them in the best possible condition.

“As with many busy London parks, Finsbury Park gets thousands of visitors. We have a comprehensive clean-up programme and spend thousands of pounds on our parks each year.

“We are making improvements to Finsbury Park and are keen to work with Keep Britain Tidy to make sure the green flag is flying again shortly.”