A resident has created his own mini car park and displayed signs saying “permit holders only” in a small clearing in Woodford Green, despite not owning the land.

White lines have been painted to make way for a number of cars in Broomhill Road, near the junction of Fairfield Road, and large yellow signs were put in place about three months ago by a resident believed to be living close by.

Concerns were raised about the ownership of the land at an area committee two meeting at Ray Lodge Primary School, Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, last week.

Cllr Michael Stark said: “The residents are very unhappy. He’s taken advantage of a piece of land that doesn’t belong to anyone. He can’t just stick up signs.”

Parking is tight and many cars park on the roadside.

Gavin Langley, who lives in nearby Glebe Avenue, said: “He thinks he is entitled to this green. It’s not his land. It should belong to the general public.

“It’s really inappropriate and the spaces have made the junction dangerous as people are parking in unsafe places.

“He’s tried to make it look official. The council has reacted by painted yellow lines around so there are less spaces for everyone else to park while he gets his own private spaces.”

The Recorder has attempted to contact the man concerned.

Paul Thomson, the City of London Corporation’s superintendent at Epping Forest, said: “The strip of land alongside Woodford Green is currently outside the 1882 boundary of the Forest and the City of London Corporation would welcome the opportunity to work with local residents to bring the land under the control of the Conservators for long term public benefit.”

Redbridge Council has not responded to the Recorder’s questions.