Business owners who feared their livelihood was under threat if a village became a controlled parking zone, have described the end result as a "hollow victory".

Waltham Forest council announced this week it will not implement a CPZ in any of the 34 streets consulted in Highams Park after 80 per cent of households rejected the idea for the fifth time since 2001.

Shopkeepers argued they were being "unfairly penalised" with business permits starting at £390, more than three times the cost of the most expensive, high-emission residents' permit.

Many claimed small businesses would be forced out of the area and more-established firms suggested they would need to lay off staff to meet the additional costs.

As there was no clear majority in favour of a CPZ in any of the 34 streets, deputy leader cllr Clyde Loakes has said "there is no reason to consult with the residents of Highams Park further on the introduction of a CPZ."

Ashley Morgan has been the owner of Heales Cycles bike shop in Hale End Road, for the last 20 years and started up his own anti-CPZ poster campaign when he received the consultation document.

Speaking about the community's rejection, he said: "It was a resounding no which only goes to prove how wrong it was and how short-sighted the council are.

"Had it gone through - shops would have died.

"It was a hollow victory - it shouldn't have happened in the first place and we shouldn't have had to fight it.

"I don't feel victorious, I am just glad its over."

Manager of K&D Supermarket in The Broadway, Cliff Daley, praised the community activism.

"It would of been a nightmare for us, not only financially but being able to park our vehicles anywhere," he said.

"When my brother (shop owner) saw the paper's headline, he was dancing around the shop.

"A CPZ would of hurt us badly as we rely on passing trade.

"What has been nice about all of this is seeing people stick together and take a stand."