A CAMPAIGN is under way to smarten up Wanstead High Street.

The new push comes amid concerns about the "deteriorating" state of the area, following the demolition of the historic 'cottage' building in the High Street and the impending opening of a new Tesco store.

And organisers the Wanstead Society hopes a 'best shopfront' competition will help rejuvenate the High Street by encouraging businesses to improve their displays and frontage to fit in with Wanstead's Conservation Area status.

A shortlist of the best shopfronts will be decided on Saturday, with a top prize of £500 being awarded to the eventual winner.

Wanstead Society chairwoman Anne Barlow said: “We believe a good-looking high street lures shoppers and promotes business.

“Trade figures from Forest Gate’s refurbished Woodgrange Road, for example, prove the point.

“By following Wanstead High Street’s Conservation Area guidelines as to attractive fascia boards, well-spaced lettering, sympathetic materials and attractive displays, we can make the High Street look smart and inviting, a good and pleasant place to shop.

“It’s the kind of fightback we need against recession and the coming competition a refurbished Stratford is going to present.”

Residents will have a chance to view the shortlist and vote on their favourite shopfront at the forthcoming Wanstead Festival, which is being held on Sunday, September 13.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Redbridge Mayor Thomas Chan have both been invited to the award ceremony.

The society says traders and voters should bear in mind a shopfront's architectural features, the overall quality of its maintenance, the quality of its lettering and whether displays are ordered and uncluttered.