Iain Duncan Smith has backed calls for the extension of a 30-minute free parking scheme which critics say is "sucking business away".

Redbridge council rolled out the on-street scheme across the borough in September last year, including in George Lane, South Woodford, in an attempt to boost the local economy.

But traders in nearby High Road say they have been given a raw deal because there is no on-road parking near their businesses.

The Chingford and Woodford Green MP has said Redbridge council should extend the free-parking scheme to Derby Road car park, which is located next to the High Road to improve trade.

The car park has 72 spaces and currently costs 80p for up to an hour.

He said: “Why would people pay to park here when there is 30-minute free parking just down the road in George Lane?

“It means potential business is being taken away from the High Road and I am calling on the free parking to be extended to Derby Road car park which I think would be a positive compromise.

“We need to protect our local businesses and it is not right that businesses here have such a raw deal."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Derby Road car park, located next to High Road, Woodford Green.

Owner of Whistle ‘n’ Flute dry cleaners, Cert Halil, said he had noticed his business had been affected since free parking was introduced to George Lane.

The 34-year-old said: “It has definitely been an ongoing issue since the council introduced the scheme.

“You need an incentive and that is being provided in George Lane so everyone parks there, it is too far to walk up here from there.

"It is sucking business away from us.

“As we have been here for 18 years we are lucky to have many loyal customers but they regularly complain they got a ticket because there is nowhere to park.

“It is an obvious solution to extend the scheme to Derby Road car park.”

Redbridge council has been contacted for comment.