CAMPAIGNERS are petitioning the council to convert an empty car park into a dedicated women’s centre.

Rooms of our Own will hit Walthamstow’s streets on Saturday (April 9) to drum up support for a plan to change St James Street car park.

Last year the charity claimed the council backtracked on an arrangement they had made to chase better value for the land.

Project founder Wendy Davis said: “It's an ideal site that would not only give much-needed space to charities working on crucial issues such as domestic violence, but also provide a thriving centre for the whole community.

"The council has a wonderful opportunity to not only reverse the decline in women's spaces, but to continue the regeneration of our borough with a landmark project of lasting value."

The non-profit enterprise is planning a multi-million pound community space with a café, crèche, meeting rooms and offices for charities which support women.

A range of housing based around the site is planned to create self-sufficient funding for the centre, which Rooms of our Own say will not cost anything to the people of Waltham Forest.

Anyone who lives or work in the borough can sign an online petition to support the campaign here: http://democracy.walthamforest.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=75

The council has been contacted for comment.