HARINGEY residents are to be consulted over plans to turn a tarmacked area of Finsbury park into ten five-a-side football pitches.

Haringey Council said the proposed pitches — near the Endymion Road entrance — would help meet the high demand for football facilities in the borough.

The pitches would be let to a private operator in exchange for a fee and with the promise that residents would be able to use the facilities for free or subsidised rates during off-peak times.

Councillor Dhiren Basu, Haringey Council cabinet member for leisure, culture and lifelong learning, said: "No decisions have been taken and we are keen to hear the views of interested parties, including local residents.

"Finsbury Park has some excellent facilities and these plans would help meet the high demand for five-a-side pitches in the borough."

Other additions to the park would include more floodlights and a pavilion housing changing rooms, an office and bar or social club.

Up to 80 additional parking spaces for cars and bicycles would also be built.

Users who currently use the area for casual basketball, volleyball and disabled cycling would have to move.

The council suggested there was a possibility they would be relocated to another area of the park.

The consultation period runs between March 1 and April 10.

Open days will be held at the park on Friday, April 9, between 10am and 3pm and on Saturday, April 10, between 11am and 4pm.