A PROMINENT Walthamstow businessman has opened a new "community-oriented" café in Wood Street after being inspired by its recent transformation.

Roger Carter, who has been co-landlord of the popular Nag's Head pub in Walthamstow Village since 2005, said he had been impressed by the multi-million pound renovation of the shopping district and the reopening of its indoor market in February.

The council recently spent £1.8million overhauling paving and lighting in the street, including building a new "plaza" town square with water fountains.

Critics including the Waltham Forest Civic Society have branded the works an eyesore but Mr Carter said he believed there was cause for optimism.

He said: "Wood Street was a fantastic place 20 or 30 years ago but in my opinion since then it had gone down hill.

"But now I think things could really take off. People look after each other round here and there is a sense of community like in Walthamstow Village."

He said he wants the new 'Carter's Coffee House' to play the role of a community centre-like building to help bring the neighbourhood together by hosting exhibitions and providing space for local groups to meet.

Call him on 0797-628-7922 for further information.

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