CONTROVERSIAL plans to install a raft of new CCTV cameras in George Lane have been approved by councillors on the eve of a protest against the proposals by businesses.
Within less than 10 minutes, councillors at tonight's area two committee meeting rubber stamped the scheme, which will see nine new cameras being fitted in the busy South Woodford shopping district next month.
Traders in the area are furious that the council will be using the cameras to generate revenue from parking offences, despite previous denials and claims they would be used solely for security purposes.
Shopkeepers fear the cameras will put people off visiting the area.
The plans form part of a larger "regeneration" package, which will also see new paving, lighting, seating and cycle parking in the street over the next three years.
Many councillors, such as Roding ward representative Felicity Banks, said they welcomed the plans.
She said: "This is going to be a vast improvement to make South Woodford a better place for pedestrians.
"I've received a lot of complaints about the bumpy pavements."
The protest by traders against the plans is at 10.30am tomorrow (Wednesday) outside Barclay's Bank in George Lane.
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