Traders have both praised and scorned works under way to give a busy shopping area a multi-million pound boost.

The Bakers Arms is set to benefit from a £3 million facelift as Waltham Forest Council starts to repair the shopping area, repainting shops, replacing damaged brickwork and even creating two squares for people to relax in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton.

The authority’s contractors have already started work to create the public spaces either side of the former pub, which will feature sculptures and seating, and shops will be repainted following the success of a similar scheme in Leyton High Road last year.

But shopkeepers have responded with a mixed reaction to the news, with some happy at the plans while others claim it will not entice people who shop on the internet back to their high street.

Edward Boateng, 57, has managed James Town Foods in Lea Bridge Road for seven years, and believes the funding will mean more people want to spend time in the Bakers Arms area.

He said: “It’s a good idea and I hope it pays off. Anything to improve our area is great. It will show a change in the face of the area which is no bad thing, people will see it looking new and fresh. It’s exciting.

“We rely a lot on people coming in off the street to buy things so the more people the better. But I think the council should look again at its parking rules. It’s half an hour stay and then no return for two hours here. It’s not enough for people to really spend time here.”

But not every shop will benefit from the cash. Baris Kucuk, who manages the Star Nergiz Express Cafe along the same road, said a council officer came to discuss proposals to repaint the eatery before deciding it was too expensive.

The 27-year-old said: “It would be a big boost to business and we’re not getting it. We’re very frustrated. I’m angry because they put the idea that it would be happening in our heads before taking it away.

“They said they don’t have enough to do it, but surely a cafe is one of the places that would benefit most?”

Mohammed Kajee, 31, who owns K. G. Electronics in Lea Bridge Road, agreed, saying it would mainly be cafes and restaurants to feel the benefit in an age where more and more people shop over the internet.

He said: “That’s the era we are in. We deliver to people round the corner and we say ‘you know we’re round the corner?’ They say they know, but they do it online anyway.

“I don’t think business will improve but it will increase property values. It will make the area nicer to live in for people. But I don’t think people want to shop in their high streets anymore.”

The work, including repainting shops, is expected to be complete by February next year, and is part of a £9 million bid to regenerate key shopping areas in the borough.