Residents at an estate in Walthamstow have reacted angrily to plans to close their car park to allow for construction work.

Waltham Forest council is building eight new council homes at St George’s Court under a scheme to provide housing on old garage sites.

However, residents of the block are protesting against the local authority’s decision to close their car park while work is carried out.

Once reopened, the 26-space car park will also be reduced in size to allow for the new housing.

Residents say they will be unable to move their cars, as the surrounding areas are designated as Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), and they are not eligible for permits.

Margaret Smith, 75, who lived in St George’s Court for 21 years, said: “I do not know anyone in this block who agrees with this.

“There are arguments over parking already, at the moment there are 26 spaces and when the work is completed, that will be reduced to 17.

“The worst thing is, they are not only closing the car park, all the roads around here have become CPZs and we cannot get a permit in this block.”

Waltham Forest council is aiming to provide 49 new homes on garage sites across the borough as part of an £11million project.

Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work, and are doing our best to limit disruption to neighbours.

“Our officers are working with the contractor involved to ensure residents have temporary parking options wherever possible.

“Steps are also being taken to ensure appropriate parking provision for wheelchair users and for deliveries.

“Since the Government changed legislation affecting parking enforcement on private land, we have seen unauthorised parking on our estates increase.

“Therefore, we are in the process of developing a new estates parking strategy which residents will help shape.”