A major road re-structuring in Walthamstow will boost the local economy, according to the deputy leader of the council.

Later this month roads will be closed, blocked, redirected and re-arranged as the council trials the mini Holland scheme.

Business owners have spoken out against plans over fears that they will not be able to get delivery vans to their doors and customers may be put off.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment has said that the two month trial will in fact be beneficial.

He said: “One of the key ways the ‘mini Holland’ project is aiming to improve cycling in the borough is by reducing the amount of rat running in particular areas.

“Not only will the road closures make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians and improve air quality, but we also anticipate it increasing footfall in the area, giving the local economy a boost.

“Residents living in the affected roads have been written to with full details of the restrictions and during the trial we'll be door knocking and opening a drop in office in the area to discuss issues and concerns.”

The trial will take place between September 26 and October 13.

Waltham Forest was one of three London boroughs to receive a share of £100m to improve cycling networks in the capital from TFL and the Mayor of London.

Roads to be affected include:

• Orford Road between Wingfield Road & Eden Road (except buses and cycles)

• Eden Road junction with Orford Road (except cycles)

• Shernhall Street junction with Lea Bridge Road (except cycles)

• Pembroke Road and Grove Road junction (except cycles)

• East Avenue and West Avenue junction with St. Mary Road (except cycles)

• Grosvenor Rise East junction with Eden Road (except cycles) westbound only

• Barclay Road junction with Beulah Road (except cycles) westbound only

• Maynard Road junction with Beulah Road (except cycles) westbound only