Waltham Forest Council claims it is at the “forefront” of improving air quality after it was told to bid for part of a £6million pot.

The money comes from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, to protect people in the capital from toxic air.

London Assembly member for Waltham Forest, Jennette Arnold called on Waltham Forest to make a “huge difference” people’s health in the community.

She said: “With air pollution contributing to the premature deaths of thousands of Londoners every year, it is fundamental that we use all the tools at our disposal to clamp down on dangerous emissions.”

But Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council and cabinet member for the environment, hit back at Ms Arnold.

Mr Loakes said: “I’m more than happy to show Jennette the details of our work to date, to demonstrate how seriously Waltham Forest takes the issue of air quality and why we are at the forefront of delivering positive air quality outcomes in London.

“We will be considering the criteria for this latest round of funding, before deciding and working on our bid ahead of the closing date of 11 January 2019.”

Mr Khan announced the initiative last Thursday, when he visited businesses on Francis Road in Leyton who were using a cycle delivery service.

The delivery service, Zero Emissions Delivery (ZED), was launched in 2016 by Waltham Forest Council with money from Mr Khan’s Air Quality Fund.

Cllr Loakes said: “The Mayor of London visited Waltham Forest on Thursday 27 September to launch the latest round of funding for local boroughs from the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund because of our considerable and proven track record and reputation in delivering positive outcomes on this agenda.”