People say a consultation into expanding the Mini Holland risks being “useless.”

Neighbours claim Waltham Forest Council’s online feedback form allows them to respond multiple times from the same computer, or newly created fake e-mail addresses.

The consultation asks people how they would feel about the controversial cycle lanes being extended to Markhouse Village, which could cause road closures and a loss of parking spaces.

James O’Rourke, of Chingford, is worried the issues leave the consultation open to manipulation and would make the results useless.

In a letter to the authority, Mr O’Rourke said: “Comments on Facebook are alleging abuse of the online survey by way of individuals being able to respond multiple times."

He added: "I got an explanation from a council officer claiming the council averages the results, but from what I understand that’s nonsense.

“Councils will continue with this system, it is confirmation bias and on the evidence I have been provided with and I used to work for the council, the consultation is flawed and previous consultations are likely to have been flawed as well.

“Common sense just does not apply. Cllr Clyde Loakes must accept this evidence and halt the consultation immediately.

"There's clearly a need for debate about our communities environment and health. So, let's have it without the tribalism."

On Facebook, one person wrote: “The moderator of a Facebook group in favour of the proposals in the Markhouse ward is accusing those against the proposals of manipulating the scheme and advocating doing it themselves.

“This is something I think worth bringing up with the council.”

The comment allegedly made by the Facebook group moderator said: “There is no restriction on how many comments you can make on any of the series.

“Those against the scheme certainly appear to have made the most of this… So go for it.”

A council spokesperson said: “We want to ensure that anyone who would like to respond to our Markhouse Area consultation has the ability to do so. To allow people using shared computers, such as in our libraries or those living in the same property, to respond we have not blocked multiple responses from devices or email addresses.

“We would request that residents respond to our consultations once to ensure that everyone’s opinions can be taken into account and analysed fairly.

“We have been asking participants to provide a post code and made it clear that any responses without a valid postcode may not be considered.

“Each online user must also verify themselves through a valid email address, otherwise their comments may also not be considered.

“All the responses we receive will be analysed and detailed in our comprehensive consultation report.”

To log your response to the consultation, click here.