A FAILED bid to secure funding to reduce pollution is “another disappointment” for activists fighting to improve their area.

Redbridge Council’s bid to secure a £10 million grant from Transport for London to improve air quality and traffic problems in the Church End triangle of South Woodford did not make it past the initial stage.

The multi-million pound programme, which is also run by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, aims to transform neighbourhoods across London into greener spaces.

Conservative Councillor Emma Best, representing the Church End ward, has campaigned with members of the community fed up of drivers using their roads to get to South Woodford from the A406.

She expressed frustration at the fate of the bid which was launched with some optimism.

Cllr Best said: “It’s upsetting because we thought we had a real chance of getting funds to sort out pollution and congestion issues.

“It’s another disappointment for those fighting to make the triangle less polluted and congested.”

A consultation launched alongside the bid found that homeowners wanted camera enforcement to stop drivers cutting through when they are not allowed.

Roads in the Church End triangle are access only.

Contributors to the consultation expressed frustration that rules were not being enforced, creating more pollution and congestion.

Cllr Best said: “We will take it back to the council – it’s been a long battle. We’re hoping that with renewed focus on it they’ll be more open to the idea of camera enforcement.

“There will be another round of funding available next year. Hopefully the council will bid again and involve residents in the bid and it’ll improve the situation.”

Waltham Forest and Havering were two of the seven boroughs whose initial bids were successful. They will now develop their proposals for a share of the £114 million up for grabs.

The Guardian has approached Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, for comment.