A COMMUNITY group has finally struck a deal to re-open a beauty spot which was closed for eight months due to council bureaucracy.

The council locked the gates to Hawkswood Nature Reserve, which incorporates a large pond and green space off Hawkswood Crescent, after deciding fences, signs and a life belt must be installed.

The Friends of Hawkswood Nature Reserve was also told it must find £6,500 to pay a company to open and close the gates every day, even though the group had previously carried out this duty.

The group offered to make the required changes and continue its previous work, but the beauty spot remained closed due to town hall delays.

Now, after volunteers took care of the safety measures, the council has finally dropped its demands and allowed volunteers to take care of security.

The reserve, which is home to Deers, Kingfishers and mallards, was re-opened earlier this month.

Mike Freeman, chair of the Friends, said: “I am so pleased that we are finally open.

“We needed to get back in there to make sure the animals were okay.

“The London borough of Waltham Forest has finally come good.”

The reserve was originally an ornamental garden that was part of a mansion, which was demolished after it fell into disrepair, following the end of the Second World War.

A council spokesman said: "We appreciate the hard work, determination and commitment of the Friends of Hawkwood Nature Reserve and apologise for the delays, which we know have been frustrating for them.

"As well as ensuring the site is safe for the Friends and other visitors, the Council has also been working on plans whereby the group can have greater overall responsibility for the nature reserve.

"While we will resolve this issue as quickly as we can it is not, unfortunately, something that can be arranged overnight as it involves insurance checks; the setting up of health and safety protocols and the ironing out of various logistical issues."

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