At a recent public meeting about open spaces, the Superintendent of Epping Forest said problems in Wanstead Park are being dealt with but it will take time.

Some of the more cynical in the audience saw this as another case of jam tomorrow, with the City of London Corporation constantly kicking problems down the road.

The water emptying out of the lakes was one example raised. It was suggested that as well as restoring water supplies that the debris now clogging up the waterways could be removed. To date, nothing has happened.

On another level, there is the issue of the shut toilets at the Temple. They were vandalised a few months ago and they remain permanently shut.

We now have the bizarre situation of dog walkers running around clearing up after their animals but having nowhere to go to the toilet themselves.

This is but another example of the negligent approach to our local park.

A local builder could have sorted out the toilet problem in days but no, better to leave it and do nothing.

How much longer are the City of London Corporation going to get away with this ongoing failure to manage our precious open space?

Paul Donovan Dangan Road Wanstead