A LEADING councillor has defended the authority's record of investment in south Leytonstone.

Cllr Terry Wheeler, cabinet member for enterprise and Cathall ward member, said south Leytonstone has not been neglected by the council.

He said: "Over the years there have been resources put into the area, such as with the redevelopment of the Cathall estate and a massive investment in the construction skills centre."

Cllr Wheeler was responding to Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Ed Northover's claim, echoed by South Leytonstone Area Development Association trustee Sue Burns, that south Leytonstone is the "forgotten" part of Waltham Forest.

Citing a number of examples, including the omission of south Leytonstone from the E11 Business Improvement District (BID) and the North Olympic Fringe development plan, Cllr Northover, himself a Cann Hall resident, believes the area is neglected.

Although Cllr Wheeler is backing Cllr Northover's idea of starting a business forum for the area, he believes it will be difficult to set up.

Cllr Wheeler said: "We have had a go before and although we got some interest it was not sufficient."

With regards to E11 BID and the Olympics, Cllr Wheeler said: "The Northern Olympic fringe covers areas with open space, whereas Cann Hall, for instance, is mainly residential, it is not suitable to be included.

"Leytonstone town centre is a distinct area, the needs of the south of the borough are different, it suffers from sprawl."

Cllr Wheeler was also cynical about Cllr Northover's motivations for kickstarting a debate about south Leytonstone.

He said: "Now that he is the Conservative candidate he is suddenly interested in south Leytonstone."

Cllr John Macklin, Lib Dem leader, said: “I accept the residents' point of view, it must feel like its being neglected, there is money going to certain areas but not to Leytonstone High Road south of the railway bridge.

“Our ward councillors are working to make sure we can do something about it.”

Councillors from all three parties have met this week to discuss the possibility of setting up a forum.

The members will now approach businesses for their feedback.

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