THE owner of Walthamstow Stadium has dramatically cancelled public consultation events on the future of the iconic venue over fears for staff safety.

The housing association says its staff felt threatened by some of those who attended the first consultation event at Christ The King Roman Catholic Church in Chingford Road yesterday.

L&Q says it has been in touch with the police and a formal complaint is in the process of being made.

Steve Yianni, L&Q regional director, said: "It is with deep regret that we are postponing these events but we cannot put our own staff's personal safety at risk from those who oppose our plans for redevelopment of the area.

“With over 15,000 people on the waiting list for homes in Waltham Forest we had planned to present our proposals for a new community on the site which, until its demise several years ago, had provided a great backdrop and focal point for the area.”

Mr Yianni added that the stadium was running at a significant loss at the time of its closure and L&Q's research showed half of residents never visited the venue.

He continued: “We have been shocked by the constant barrage of insults we have received and bitterly disappointed that MPs, who are acutely aware of the need for housing in the area, have provided no support for L&Q."