The iconic greyhound stadium sign has been removed to be repaired and restored to its "full glory", the construction company behind the development has confirmed. 

It will be months before residents see the landmark 'Walthamstow Stadium' neon sign and greyhound re-installed on the Grade-II listed Tote building, L&Q has said. 

Scaffolding has been erected across the entire facade as work starts to strip it back to its original brickwork, before rendering it again and re-installing the fluorescent artwork. 

Quadrant Construction, who are building the 294 homes have been liaising with conservation officers from Waltham Forest council and Historic England about the restoration.

Managing director of Quadrant Construction, Stuart Miller, is delighted the work has started.

He said: "The iconic Tote building has protected status, and we are all looking forward to sensitively restoring it to its full glory. 

"By the time we’re finished, the whole structure will be completely refurbished with the ‘Walthamstow Stadium’ lettering and the greyhound repainted and rehung. 

"The neon lighting will also be fully restored back to its original condition and colouring, and in full working order.

"The name, the greyhound and the neon lighting have now been removed and are being stored at the workshop of our specialist restoration subcontractor. 

"Additionally, the façade has been washed down over the last few days in preparation for the restoration works.

"Once that’s completed the refurbished signage and neon lighting will be rehung.

"We are continually assessing just how long this important project will take, and are currently on schedule to complete the work before the end of this year."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Scaffolding covers the facade of the greyhound stadium 

London mayor Boris Johnson approved the controversial mixed home development in October 2012 and construction is well underway with the foundations of several blocks of housing already complete. 

As part of the project, £3.8million was set aside to improve local leisure, education, health and transport facilities, with £1.75 earmarked for the renovation of Walthamstow's Pool & Track.  

An additional promise of on-site sporting facilities, which included an outdoor gym, a 15m climbing wall, a BMX and skateboard deck on the upper deck of the car park, look set to be ditched altogether.  

It came to light earlier this year after pressure was put on L&Q and the council by Larkswood ward councillors. 

Conservative councillor John Moss described it as a "back-room stitch up the council" but the council said no final decision has been made as to whether to replace the facilities with funding for improved sporting facilities across Chingford.