THIS is a sight that should bring cheer to the residents of Walthamstow - a JCB clearing the long-derelict Arcade site.

The council has decided to level the site, on the corner of Hoe Street and Walthamstow High Street, and open it up for temporary community use while long-term redevelopment plans are being put together.

There will be a consultation in the summer to find out what residents' think the site should be used for in the short term.

Council leader Chris Robbins has suggested it could be used to site portable play areas, a performance space or an extension of the Farmer's Market.

The council earlier this year announced a controversial plan to bail out the long term redevelopment of the site with £35m of taxpayers' money after developer St Modwen decided it could no longer fund it.

But the proposal has been delayed because the contract was not put out to tender in accordance with EU regulations.

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