A green space which has been subjected to fierce debates on its future should largely remain as it is, according to members of the public.

Approximately 30 people attended a meeting about the Goodmayes Park Extension on Monday and the majority argued that it should remain a green site open to all.

The event, at Goodmayes Library, Goodmayes Lane, was held as part of Redbridge Council’s consultation on the extension, which was leased to Singh Sabha Football Club before the decision was overturned by cabinet in 2013.

The discussion was attended by Cllr Wes Streeting, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, and council officers.

Richard Leighton, chairman of the Friends of Goodmayes Park, said: “The last time [it was leased] they wanted to put in artificial turf and floodlights but residents didn’t want that.

“I think we should have a trust set up.”

Other ideas included using the space for community events, planting flowers, giving the site a new name and removing the fence to give it more of a village green feel, like Wanstead’s George Green.

Hangover

Cllr Streeting said: “If residents want to keep it as it is we will listen, but I think it would be a disappointment as it could be so much more.”

He said after the meeting: “I think people have come in with a hangover of what has gone before, but we are going back to basics.”

The consultation ends on October 31 and it is hoped another meeting will take place then.

Visit redbridge.gov.uk.