THE owners of Walthamstow Stadium will take an imminent offer to reintroduce greyhound racing to the venue seriously, according to two local MPs.

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith and Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy met with London and Quadrant directors on Friday to discuss the future of the Chingford Road site.

Millionaire businessman Bob Morton is due to submit a proposal for the stadium, which is expected to include a mix of housing and racing facilities, within two weeks.

After the meeting, Mr Duncan Smith said: "Stella and I had a positive meeting with L&Q on Friday. "They are willing to engage and to listen to the wishes of local residents.

"I remain hopeful that we can secure a future for the stadium which includes greyhound racing.”

Miss Creasy described the meeting as “useful”.

She added: "Obviously L&Q need to see Bob Morton's plans and evaluate them but they made a commitment to take this proposal seriously, which is very welcome and we are watching and waiting for what will happen next."

Miss Creasy said she and Mr Duncan Smith made it "very clear" that they would like to see a deal struck.

Mr Morton has previously told the Guardian that his plans for the iconic site are similar to those of L&Q, in that he would like to see a mixed of leisure facilties and housing on the site.

However, Mr Morton prefers a larger element of leisure use.

Steve Yianni, L&Q regional director, has previously said the housing association is not seeking offers for the site.