A SPEAKERS’ corner could be established in Walthamstow, following a proposal by teachers and residents.

Waltham Forest Council is supporting the plan to use a spot in Stoneydown Park to promote local democracy.

Teachers from three local schools and the Friends of Stoneydown Park are working with the Speakers’ Corner Trust to develop the project.

A meeting will be held on Thursday (November 19) at the Queens Road Community Centre to discuss the plan and commitee will be established to oversee the project.

Cllr Marie Pye, cabinet member for communities and housing, said: "This is a fantastic initiative which will stimulate debate and provide a forum for a wide range of issues to be raised by residents.

"I know there are lots of residents who will be itching to get involved in a speakers corner and on behalf of the Council I would like to offer my full support to this wonderful initiative.”

The Stoneydown Park speakers’ corner will be the first to be established in London since the original in Hyde Park in the 1870s.