THE long vacant Arcade site will be levelled and partially opened up for temporary public use, new council leader Chris Robbins has confirmed.

The site, on the corner of Hoe Street and Walthamstow High Street, has been derelict for years and the latest publically funded development proposal has been delayed because it was found that the contract was not put out to tender in accordance with EU regulations.

Councillor Chris Robbins, who took over as leader last week, branded the empty site as "a disgrace" and said diggers would start clearing it on Monday.

He said: "It has been unacceptable that for the past number of years the site has been empty. I have always said that if I won the leadership I would be committed to making sure the site is used."

A consultation will take place with residents and business owners to determine what the site will be used for in the short term.

It is hoped the work will be completed later in the summer.

Cllr Robbins said there are a number of possibilities for the site's temporary use, including a play area, a performance space or extending the farmers' market to the site.

The plans are likely to include a single pathway with boulders preventing motorists from using the site as a car park.

Cllr Robbins said the move would also boost the local economy.

He said: "The site has blighted the area for a number of years. Opening it will encourage people to come to local shops.

"The idea that we have had areas which work against lifting the businesses and people of the borough is bizarre."

Cllr Robbins is currently in discussion with officers about the relevant planning issues.

Lib Dems and Conservatives on the council have previously called for the site to be used for a temporary purpose while long term development plans take shape.

Conservative leader Matt Davis has repeatedly called for Walthamstow Market to be re-sited there temporarily to allow the High Street to flourish.

Earlier this year the council announced it would back the long term redevelopment of the Arcade site with £35 million of tax payers' money after developers St Modwen decided it could no longer fund it.

The council is in discussions with the Public Works Loans Board about the possibility of borrowing the cash to finance the scheme.

What do you think the Arcade site should be used for in the short term? Leave a comment below or email carlbrown@london.newsquest.co.uk