COUNCIL leader Chris Robbins says he wants there to be a“broad discussion” about the future of all of the borough's town centres, following Conservative calls to scrap Leytonstone's dreaded one-way system.

Cllr Robbin said: “We need to look at what we want to get from our town centres, in terms of shoppers, families and children.

“It is a debate which needs to take place sooner rather than later and we will put together a timeline for this to take place.

“There is the potential for some radical ideas.”

Cllr Robbins said he did not know whether getting rid of the one-way system in Leytonstone would be desriable or feasible, but is willing to talk about all possibilities.

Deputy leader, Lib Dem John Macklin, said he too would welcome a debate on the issue.

He said: “There's an issue travelling in the Leytonstone area, I use public transport and you can be sat on a bus for a long time on the High Road.

“I do remember it not being particularly good even before the one-way system was put in though..

Cllrs Robbins and Macklin were speaking in response to a call from Conservative councillor and Leyton prospective parliamentary candidate Ed Northover for a debate on the future of Leytonstone.

Cllr Northover believes making the High Road two-way and pedestrianising Church Lane could regenerate the town centre and make it more attractive to visitors by creating a “cafe culture.”