SHOPS located near the eight planned CCTV sites in George Lane fear the devices will scare off their passing trade.

Businesses situated close to the new cameras - which are due to be installed within the next two months outside Pizza Express, Marks & Spencers, HSBC, Barclays, Natwest, South Woodford Tube station and at the junction with Pulteney Road - are concerned that customers will no longer feel safe to park up and pop in for five minutes in case they get a ticket.

Drivers are currently given a few minutes 'grace' to stop off outside shops in George Lane before parking wardens pounce, but traders fear the new cameras - which will help with traffic enforcement in the area - could deter many customers from visiting them at all.

George Nicola, owner of George's Fish and Souvlaki Bar, said he and other shopkeepers were worried about the impact of the cameras - one of which will be situated immediately opposite his shop.

He said: "In terms of helping to crack down on anti-social behaviour I am quite pleased about the cameras because there is some anti-social behaviour around here, particularly at night, but I'm not happy about the parking enforcement side of things.

"We have lots of passing trade who stop off for a few minutes to pick up some food, or go next door for a dust pan and brush or whatever - but they won't feel safe to do that with the camera there.

"I think we are all going to suffer."

Steven Goldstone, joint owner of Mr Simms Ye Olde Sweet Shop, nextdoor, shared Mr Nicola's fears.

He said: "It is certainly not ideal.

"It's good they will help out with crime, but lots of small businesses her rely on people parking and popping in, and these cameras could put people off."

A ninth camera is also due to be located outside Funky Mojoes Bar in South Woodford High Road.

A council spokeswoman said: "The CCTV cameras will ultimately make the streets of South Woodford safer as their primary purpose is to help with crime reduction, the fear of crime and anti social behaviour.

"The cameras are there first and foremost for the safety of local residents. But our message remains the same, if you don't park contrary to the regulations you have nothing to fear.

"There are two large car parks at either end of George Lane, and pay and display parking along George Lane itself. If shoppers continue to park legally, they will not receive a ticket.

"There has been a 65 per cent increase in shop lifting in George Lane, which CCTV could also help to combat."