VITAL parking reviews will finally go ahead after six years of wrangling and almost £1million in pre-planning costs.

Epping Forest District Council's cabinet signed off the reviews last night (October 25) which will provide extra parking restrictions in Epping, Buckhurst Hill, and Loughton.

The time and money already spent on planning the schemes prompted a heated debate.

Resident Jason Silver, of Chigwell Lane, Loughton, said: “Residents near Debden station find the roads constantly clogged with commuter parking. Debden is now the only location on the Central Line where commuters can park on the roads by the station, May residents feel trapped in their own homes.

“I have always been a Conservative voter and I feel completely let down by the Conservative controlled Epping and Essex councils.”

Transport portfolio holder Cllr Syd Stavrou said: “I do understand the difficulties which arise for local residents who live near to London Underground Stations. I am sorry the parking review for the Broadway area has been delayed.”

Mrs Stavrou admitted “a frightening amount of money” had been spent on the review, adding: “I'm just so frustrated with this situation that I hope it will come to a swift conclusion.”

Councillors voted to continue with the parking reviews, which have so far cost £922,956, at an additional cost of £556,000.

Council director of environment John Gilbert said the first parking review to be implemented would be Epping's but it was difficult to estimate a time for completion as a new public consultation would have to take place first.