A community group are unhappy the council have given them less than two days to have their say on a proposed park redevelopment.

In an email to the Friends of Down Lane Park, Haringey Council said they intend to lease the park’s bowling green and connected buildings, for as yet unspecified community use.

In the email, sent this morning (October 6), it says “we intend to advertise the opportunity from Monday, October 10, so we would appreciate it if you were able to provide any comments by the end of the week.”

Martin Ball, chairman of the Friends of Down Lane Park, described the council’s attitude as “contemptuous”.

He said: “My initial response to the news is that it is contemptuous to today ask the Friends group for comments by the end of the week, so that the council can advertise next Monday.

“Why the rush? Again the suspicion is that the timetable is linked to the regeneration agenda and not the interests of the community using the park. 

“Why no specific consultation with the community on what they want the space used for? It should be in the park proper and used to increase the space properly available to the public without them having to be granted access by the leaseholder.”

Mr. Ball said he hoped the council would delay the process in order to hold a full community consultation.

Under the current plans, the site will be leased for two years, rent free, during which the leaseholder will be responsible for creating and managing the new facility.

Interested parties are required to submit a proposal, by Friday, November 4.

Haringey Council have been contacted for comment.