Bollards could be installed to stop motorists parking on a pavement which was recently laid to help protect schoolchildren.

Redbridge Council painted yellow lines and put down the section of walkway in Woodford Green High Road by the Horse and Wells pub in March after residents complained that pedestrians, including many pupils, were being put at risk by cars.

But households and businesses claim that ever since motorists now regularly park on the new pavement, while also accusing the council of failing to punish those responsible.

Earlier this week the Barclay Oval Residents Association called for bollards to be installed, in a demand which was backed by Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith.

And now in a statement today Redbridge Council said it was seriously considering such measures.

A spokeswoman said: "Despite a new footway being constructed, motorists are still parking inappropriately. 

"We are therefore proposing a line of timber bollards along the edge of the footway.

"Our enforcement contractor has responded to reports of pavement obstruction.

"The area receives daily visits and often more, however, extra enforcement will be arranged over the next week to try to combat the problem."

However Stuart Gillespie, the manager of The Horse & Well pub, criticised the proposals and said a better compromise would be parking bays.

He said: "It's pathetic. It will affect trade, there's no doubt about that.

"The council has not said one word to me or been in touch about this.

"Of course cars shouldn't be parked on the pavement but there needs to be some parking to replace the spaces which were taken away so that they could install the pavement."

A decision on whether to definitely go ahead with the plans is expected to be made later this year.