COUNCIL tax payers in the Epping Forest district could be hit by an increased council tax burden or districtwide cuts to services if an agreement cannot be reached over the future of the Roding Valley recreation ground in Loughton.

Loughton town council has had unofficial responsibility for managing and financing the district council-owned area since 1996, at a cost of about £102,000 per year, but now councillors are adamant they will return control to the district unless a detailed legal agreement between the parties is in place by the end of March.

Loughton town council clerk Louise Fuller said: "The town council is extremely concerned about the situation. It would prefer to retain responsibility for the area rather than passing it back to the district council, as local management has proved more effective and better for local people.

"However it cannot continue to manage and finance the area without any legal agreement and it now feels enough is enough."

Such a move would leave Epping Forest Council having to find the funds to cover maintenance costs.

Town council chairman Roger Pearce said: "They would have to find the cost from within their own projected budget, which could possibly mean either a substantial financial increase or extensive service cuts across the whole of Epping Forest.

"Of course council taxpayers in Loughton would see a reduction in their contribution to the town council."

Loughton town councillors voted unanimously to hand responsibility back to the district on March 31 unless definite progress towards a satisfactory legal agreement, such as a long-term lease, was made.

Mr Pearce said: "I would stress that our councillors believe that the town council has to date made a difference in the Roding Valley, by treating the area with pride and commitment. To this end we have already invested in the football pitches and basketball facilities, as well as providing a patrolling warden to reduce vandalism."

District council leisure portfolio holder Jon Whitehouse said: "Both the district council and town council are keen to maximise the area's potential. We're discussing the best way to manage the site for the benefit of the local community by means of a long lease which clearly identifies each council's responsibilities."

Mr Whitehouse did not say when he foresaw the agreement being in place.