CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed news that an application to have a new takeaway built in Wanstead High Street has been turned down.

A subsidary of American fast food giant KFC had wanted to move in to the NatWest bank, but Redbridge Council have decided to reject permission.

Doreen Golding, of the Wanstead Historical Society, said: "Unfortunately they (KFC) will probably appeal, but hopefully they won't get it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

She added: "There are enough problems in Wanstead as it is, so it is good news. But I won't be counting my chickens until they have hatched."

Last month police from Snaresbrook Safer Neighbourhoods Team added their concerns to those of local residents by warning that a new takeaway could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and litter levels of which are already a major concern for residents .

A spokeswoman from KFC said: "An application was made by one of our franchisee partners, Auriga Holdings Ltd, for a hot food takeaway restaurant. However, at this time this site had not been envisaged as a KFC store."