A PETITION has been launched in an attempt to save Wanstead from becoming an "empty space" due to parking restrictions.

Beryl Darling, 50, of Belgrave Road, fears controlled parking zones in Addison Road, Chaucer Road, Dangan Dangan and Spratt Hall Road will deter shoppers from using the High Street.

The petition, which calls for the introduction of limited time restrictions to deter commuters, was delivered to High Street businesses on Saturday.

Mrs Darling said: "I haven't come across anyone who isn't against the idea.

"We need to keep the commuters out, but let the community flow during the day. No-one is driving into Wanstead at 8am to park their car all day just for a cup of coffee.

"The council is just creating an ongoing problem. If you look at any other area with parking restrictions they are deserted during the day, there's no business going on.

"Wanstead will become another empty space if something isn't done now."

John Sawyer, 79, of Wanstead Place said his street is now over-run with cars as commuters avoid restictions nearby.

He said: "I'm looking out of my window now and the road is like a national car park. It is just ridiculous really."

But Debbie Crawshawe, 40, who lives in Chaucer Road, is happy with the residents permit parking scheme.

She said: "I understand there is spare capacity in roads with permits which could be used, but introducing commuter parking bans is not the answer.

"I no longer have to worry about what time I have to go home to secure a parking space.

"Introducing a one hour commuter parking ban on those four roads would be a disaster.

"It's a change in people's behaviour which is needed, not more parking restrictions." Mrs Darling will present the petition at the next Area One Committee meeting on Monday.

The controlled parking zone is under review until April.

A previous campaign supported by more than 4,000 people saw off a council plan to introduce parking restrictions in and around the High Street.