THOUSANDS of people have registered their support for a campaign against controversial parking restrictions which it is claimed will destroy trade in a high street.

A petition against the introduction of a pay and display system in High Street, Wanstead, includes 2,000 signatures, while a petition against parking permits for residents in surrounding roads has attracted the same number of supporters.

Any petition including 1,000 signatures automatically prompts a deabte at a full council meeting, which is planned for July 21.

The council says it is introducing the new measures to deal with an expected increase in traffic for the Olympics, but residents and businesses fear they will deter shoppers.

Michael Powis, of Grosvenor Road, Wanstead, organised the petitions.

The 70-year-old said: “I’m overwhelmed by the response, I really am. It shows Wanstead is a special place people want to preserve and cherish.

“It’s a message to the council: don’t mess with us because we’re a bit of a sleeping lion.”

Rachel Root, of The Orange Tree in High Street, said: “Most people would welcome the extra business the [Olympic] traffic would provide.

People won’t be able to nip in after dropping the kids off at school or anything and that’s a lot of our business.”

Judith Stern, owner of Judith of Wanstead for 34 years, said: “We have seen it grow into a beautiful cosmopolitan area which will go down the drain.

“They’re going against the total feeling of the public, it’s diabolical.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council spokeswoman said: “Developing a scheme will benefit both local traders and their customers by stopping all day parking in the currently uncontrolled areas outside the shops.

“The Area Committee will consider the results of any consultation before a final decision is taken.”

Mr Powis will hand in the petition next week and hopes to speak at the full council.

Currently there is no parking in High Street between 9.30am and 10.30am, which will be replaced by charges between 7am to 7pm every day.

New permits could cost residents £237.75 a year to park outside their own home if they have three cars.

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