CAMPAIGNERS have questioned why authorities have so far failed to take advantage of millions of pounds of funding available for new sports facilities in the area.

Epping Forest District Council recently extended their consultation period with residents on whether they would like to have a new supermarket, flats, or leisure facilities in a seven acre council-owned site in the heart of Epping, after overwhelming public interest.

In consultation documents council officers stated that there was not enough money to fund the construction of new leisure facilities, such as a gym or swimming pool, on the site.

But residents have slammed the authority for failing to consider all the available funding options for a project that they believe could revitalise the heart of the historic market town.

Karen Laing, 35, lives in Charles Street in Epping and teaches pilates in the United Reform Church in Lindsey Street.

She said: “When I looked at how they described all of the options it did not sit well with me.

“There is a huge pot of money that has been set aside for projects such new leisure facilities. It is hard to find halls round here for health activities and we badly need more community spaces like that.

The £135 million Sport England Places People Play fund has been made available for authorities and community groups to promote sports and improve facilities to cement the legacy of the Olympics.

The maximum amount authorities can bid for is £150,000.

“I do not know why they have said the money just is not available,” added Mrs Laing.

Stephen Harding, 37, of St John’s Road, organised a recent petition signed by more than 400 residents calling for the supermarket option to be scrapped.

He said: “I think that it is terrific that people are coming forward with these ideas but it is an abdication of responsibility by the council just to leave it up to us.

“They should have been looking in to this from the start.”

Councillor Gagan Mohindra, who is finance and economic development portfolio holder at Epping Fores District Council, said: "Councillor Gagan Mohindra said: “It is not an option I have looked in to but I would urge people to provide that as a suggestion in their consultation forms.

“From my side, there is no point doing all of that work looking in to funding options for leisure facilities without making sure that people want that option.

“What we have tried to do is treat residents with respect and make them aware of the difficulties for some of these options.”