A public consultation is to be held over a controversial new gym complex which is being proposed to take over a library.

The plans involve refurbishing South Woodford Library in High Road to create a library and gym complex in one.

Proposals also involve moving Woodford Green Library services into a new library at Sir James Hawkey Hall in Broomhill Road, Woodford Green.

This week Cllr Gwyneth Deakins described Woodford Green Library as “dilapidated” and predicted the building would be sold and the money put towards the new gym complex.

Cllr Deakins raised her concerns about the council seemingly trying to compete with local businesses.

She said the council was in a “very good position” compared to small businesses as it already owned the premises involved.

Vision Redbridge will be giving a presentation about the plans at an Area 2 meeting on January 23.

Plans and drawings of the proposal will be made available to view at South Woodford Library and Woodford Green Library from January 21 and a comments box will be available on both sites until January 31.