A CONTROVERSIAL new visitor centre will be officially opened by the mayor in a special ceremony this Saturday (December 12).

The James Leal centre, in Ray Park will be dedicated to the memory of the former Bridge ward councillor by Redbridge Mayor Thomas Chan - in the presence of friends, family and other members of the public between 11am and 3pm.

The council has planned a range of special activities to mark the occasion including sports, arts and nature conservation events.

The £1.35 million facility - which will open nearly five months late and at least £250,000 over budget - has divided residents and park users who have criticised its design and former orange colour scheme.

The building has since been repainted green, but critics claim the final design is different from the one they originally backed.

The council hopes the centre will give the public better access to information about wildlife in Roding Valley Park.

For more information visit: redbridge.gov.uk.