PEOPLE in central Walthamstow were greeted with a highly unusual sight this week.

Many would have done a double take as they strolled in the sunshine along Hoe Street and glanced over to the most famous empty space in the borough.

No, You’re eyes do not deceive you, there is activity on the long-derelict Arcade site.

Work has begun to bring the wasteland back into use nine years after it was purchased and levelled by the council.

Some would be forgiven for believing it is a sight they would never see.

So many broken promises, failed schemes, deadlines passed and missed opportunities.

And although current work will provide only a temporary solution, it just may prompt people again to start believing in a positive future for the site.

New council leader Chris Robbins has moved swiftly to bring the dead land back to life at last and send out a strong message that he is a man who gets things done.

But the move also serves to highlight the unforgivable indecisiveness of his Labour colleagues, who have let the Arcade embarrassment develop into something approaching humiliation for the council.

As Cllr Robbins admits, the gaping hole in the middle of town is a disgrace.

His honesty and conviction on this issue will undoubtedly be appreciated by residents.

However, the latest development scheme, which would see £36 million of taxpayers’ money invested, appears to be stalling.

It has been suggested that the government is weary about lending the council the necessary funds.

There is a danger that if the temporary use, whatever it is, proves to be a success, it may provide an excuse for further delays to the full development of the site.

It is essential the latest move provides momentum which will eventually see the creation of buildings and facilities the people of borough deserve.