A BUILDING firm could be fined by Redbridge Council for taking too long to finish constructing a controversial community centre.

The James Leal Centre, in Woodford Green's Ray Park, was supposed to open earlier this month but now may not be finished until October.

The centre is already at least £250,000 over-budget and has attracted criticism from residents for its "ugly" appearance.

The news comes after the council admitted to the Guardian last week that the original plans for the building had been changed after they were shown to residents.

Now the council is considering financial penalties against the contractor for the delay to its opening.

A council spokeswoman said: "We're unhappy with the performance of the contractor, which is an issue that we’re considering taking up formally with them and we're doing all that we can to speed up the completion."

Residents living near the park said they were "shocked" at the council's handling of the situation.

Anne Spacey, who walks her dog in the park on a daily basis, said: "It has been an absolutely unmitigated disaster. We all feel extremely let down by the whole thing.

"The building work has gone on too long as it is, since at least 18 months ago, and if it's costing the council that much they really haven't got value for money.

"I can't stand it. It's a beautiful park but the building is so ugly."

The council has refused to disclose just how much over-budget the centre currently is.

The building was commissioned to replace the historic Ray Lodge House, which burned down in 2004 in a suspected arson attack.

It is due to house the council's park rangers team, provide a range of community educational facilities and a cafe.