CONTROVERSIAL plans to build fixed bus stops in five Chingford streets have been ditched.

In an email seen by the Guardian, council officer Neil Bullen confirms that the proposals will not go ahead.

The council and Transport for London wanted to build fixed bus stops in Chingford Avenue, Simmons Lane, Forest Side, Heathcote Grove and Endlebury Road.

Cllr Matt Davis, Conservative group leader and a ward councillor, is delighted the plans will not be going ahead.

He said: "This is a victory for local people.I hope that Arriva can persuade its drivers to stop when hailed."

Cllr Davis said he had received between 80 and 100 letters the vast majority against the plans - the most he has received on a single issue while serving as a councillor.

The council and Transport for London want to build the bus stops after receiving three complaints that drivers fail to stop on the 'hail and ride' section of the 397 bus route.

But residents living in the affected streets feel this is a heavy handed approach.

A campaign was quickly organised and a petition opposing the scheme collected 900 signatures.

The proposals were severely criticised by residents who attended a public meeting on Monday, March 9 at Chingford Assembly Hall in Station Road.

Concerns were raised about the loss of an estimated 40 parking spaces if the bus stops were built, anti-social behaviour, double decker busses using the route and a lack of proper consultation.

Council officers Keith Hanshaw and Neil Bullen attended as did Chris Hall from Transport for London.

The consultation period ends on Tuesday, March 31.