QUESTIONNAIRES sent out to local businesses over controversial pay and display plans are “undemocratic”, say campaigners.

The four-page document, sent out to traders in High Street, Wanstead, to canvass businesses’ opinions on the pay and display proposals, was condemned by campaigners who believe it is unfair.

The questionnaire, which asks shop owners to tick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as to whether they support the council’s scheme, contains small print at the bottom of the document which states that any non-returned forms will be counted as a vote in favour of the plans.

Campaigner Ray Phipps, 50, of Grosvenor Road, said: “It’s totally undemocratic. It’s like a government saying that everyone who doesn’t turn up to vote on an issue will be counted as supporting it.”

Neighbour Michael Powis, 70, added: “It’s hardly a survey of people’s opinions is it?”

The pay and display proposals would introduce charges in High Street between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week, instead of the current one hour parking restriction between 9.30am and 10.30am.

Drivers could park for a maximum of two hours for £2.50, one hour for £1.10 or half an hour for 60p.

The questionnaires, sent out on June 1 and due in on June 21, also invite traders to comment on the plans.

But the council is unlikely to meet much support. A previous Guardian survey found that 80 per cent of independent shops on the road are against the plans, while only one contacted yesterday - Caesars Palace - was in favour, though declined to explain why.

Rachel Root, of The Orange Tree, said: “People can’t nip in after dropping the kids off at school or anything and that’s a lot of business we rely on.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The statement at the foot of the consultation questionnaire was included to try to ensure that as many returns were received as possible particularly from those who were against the proposals.

“The reports to Area Committees will contain an analysis of the ‘actual returns’ and a second line showing what the result would be if ‘nil’ returns really did count as ’yes’ votes.”

"Could any traders or residents living above the shops who have not received the questionnaire call Paul Newby on 020 8708 3630 and we will ensure another questionnaire is sent out."

She added: “Hopefully developing a scheme will benefit both local traders and their customers by stopping all day parking in the currently uncontrolled areas outside the shops.

“This will also encourage a good turnover of the available parking spaces so that shoppers have a better chance of finding an available parking bay."

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