PLANS to "transform" South Woodford's shopping district in George Lane have been announced.

Redbridge Council hope to press ahead with new seating, lighting and re-paving in the area, after receiving a funding boost from Transport for London (TfL).

The scheme also includes extra CCTV cameras as the Guardian reported on last week.

However the authority has said it can only carry out the works pending approval from the cabinet and Woodford Green's area two committee.

If the plans are rubber-stamped, work is due to begin in September.

There has already been works such as paving and new lighting in the George Lane area over the last few months, but these changes will be far more extensive.

The council has been unable to confirm the exact details of the plans.

But the authority estimates the works will cost £1.7m, with £1.65m of that already secured from TfL.

Kerk Davies, of the South Woodford Business Partnership, which represents traders in George Lane, said: "Generally speaking we're very pleased with the way the council is going about things.

"It's good that this investment is happening on our side of the borough as well as Ilford town centre.

"It's nice to have these things and I think it will have a positive effect on the area.

"It's good to have CCTV but we would not be happy if it was used to enforce petty traffic offences which could affect business.

"You could philosophise that better lighting and so on could attract more people to the area if they think it will make a difference over safety, but generally George Lane is quite a low-in-crime place.

"The main thing that could improve George Lane would be a more diverse and interesting mix of shops, although the council cannot have much influence on that. If there was a greater array of shops I think George Lane would attract more people."

Cllr Michelle Dunn, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said: "The high level of funding we have secured from TfL for the regeneration of the Town Centre will give the area a new look and the enhancements of CCTV and new lighting will make it feel much safer and will help make Redbridge a safer place to live and work."

Redbridge Council cabinet meet on Tuesday June 30 to discuss the plans.