A CONTENTIOUS parking scheme has been pushed back a month after overwhelming protests against it.

Redbridge Council announced this evening (Wednesday, January 11) it will be postponing the implementation of its new Wanstead parking scheme from February to March.

The news comes two days after a petition against the scheme's lack of public consulation was submitted to the council with over 2,200 signatures.

Conservative opposition councillors also put forward a motion imploring the Labour adminstration to halt the scheme until residents were properly consulted.

Cabinet member for environment and sustainability Cllr John Howard said: "We have been listening to residents through the process and considering all feedback about the plans.

"After taking that on board we’ve decided to make some changes which we think work better for residents and motorists.

"We want to find a parking solution that is right for the area, that deals with the present and future pressures on parking spaces but also takes into account the needs of businesses, residents and shoppers."

In his statement Cllr Howard said all roads south of Redbridge Lane West, including ones around Wanstead High School, will no longer be getting any parking restrictions.

Plans for roads such as Grove Park and The Avenue have also changed and will now have a mixture of pay and display and residents' permit spaces.

At Redbridge Council's external scrutiny committee at the Town Hall this evening Cllr Howard said a "more comprehensive consultation" will also be taking place to listen to residents' views.

He did not confirm what kind of consultation it will be, but assured people in Wanstead they will receive more information on the scheme "in the following weeks".