IDS has backed a "community" of businesses in their campaign to get 30 minutes free parking.

Businesses in High Road, Woodford Green are arguing that the Derby Road car park should be given free parking to boost footfall in the area.

The Chingford and Woodford Green MP said: “It is crucial that the council looks at this as it is the main access point for trade to the shops on the parade.

“I have now written to the council and shall continue to campaign for this issue, which is so vital to boosting the local economy.

“I have also raised the point about the need for increased signage to Derby Road car park because at the moment it is not evident where shoppers can park thereby further discouraging business to the High Road.”

Cert Halil, owner of Whistle ‘n’ Flute dry cleaners on the High Road said businesses had been suffering since nearby George Lane received free parking.

The 34-year-old said: “Parking is so important for us. These days when everyone is rushing around what is there to make them come to their local shops? We need to encourage them.

“It affects all business here, not just me, and it has been going on for far too long.

“We are a real community most of us have been here 15 years, and we are all in it together.

“We are in the secondary parade and need all the help we can get compared to George Lane who already have it.

“How long does it take whilst our trade is suffering before something is done?”

A Redbridge council spokesman said there were no plans to expand the current scheme, which allows 30 minutes free for pay and display, to car parks.

He said: "We know that people feel strongly about parking in the borough as a whole.

"We are eager to listen to their thoughts, and that’s why we launched the Borough’s parking consultation.

"We want people who live, work and visit Redbridge have their say on parking and help us develop a vision and set of aims to make parking work in years to come."

Consultation for the borough's parking scheme finishes on November 16.