IAIN Duncan Smith has called on the Corporation of London to reconsider their position after they refused moves to ease access for children at a local hospice.

Haven House in Woodford Green wants to resurface a potholed road which it shares with the neighbouring Woodford Rugby Club.

But the Corporation refused to allow them to resurface any more than 15ft, even though the hospice say 20ft is needed to allow ambulances to pass safely.

Chingford and Woodford Green MP, Duncan Smith has asked the Corporation to compromise and allow a repaved road of 18ft.

He told the Guardian: “I wrote to the City of London in November about this matter as it seemed to make no sense to me to limit the width of the access drive to this extent.

“I have written again to the City of London this month to urge them to be more flexible.

“I have been a Patron of Haven House for a number of years – it is a remarkable charity which provides a much-needed service to children with life-limiting illnesses.

“I also visit the Woodford Rugby Club now and again. I know that both organisations have been very concerned about this issue and I very much hope that the City of London will now see sense and be a little more flexible when it agrees the final width of the access drive.”

Both Haven House and the Rugby Club are planning to write to the Corporation to complain about the decision which they say is limiting the range of activities children at the hospice can enjoy.

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