An MP has joined calls for controversial plans to permanently close traffic barriers across Woodford to be scrapped.

Over 1,000 residents and business owners have signed various petitions attempting to reverse Redbridge council plans to close the gates in Cavendish Avenue and Fairlawn Drive, Woodford Green, and Kelvedon Way, Woodford Bridge.

They believe it will cause a "massive inconvenience" by dividing their community and damaging businesses. 

Now residents of Kelvedon Way have joined the fight against the closure and they met with Ilford North Conservative MP Lee Scott yesterday evening.

Lee Scott said: “The residents of the street contacted me as over 200 are objecting to the closure and they are collecting signatures for a petition of their own.

"The pressure on traffic on Chigwell Rd will be massive on an already busy road so we are asking the council to look again at this and listen to residents’ concerns.”

The barriers, installed in the mid 1980s, were to prevent the roads being used as a rat-run during rush hour and were closed from 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. 

Residents, Woodford Green Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith and opposition councillors have argued the annual saving does not justify the inconvenience it will bring to thousands of drivers and residents. 

A Change.org petition started by Conservative councillor for Church End ward, Tom McLaren, has attracted 550 signatures so far.

Redbridge council said the plan is a bid to save around £35,000 in operational costs. 

The consultation on the plans will end on April 23.  

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

From left to right: Cllr Emma Best, Iain Duncan Smith, Cllr Tom McLaren, activist Joel Herga and resident Liz Wheatley at the Cavendish Avenue barrier.