FORMER council leader Clyde Loakes has rubbished the idea of scrapping Leytonstone's one-way system as debate rages about the future of the town centre.

Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Ed Northover has called for a debate about the possibility of making the northern end of High Road two-way again, and for Church Lane to be pedestrianised.

This, he says, will allow markets and a cafe culture to flourish, making Leytonstone an attractive place to visit and providing a boost to local businesses.

But Cllr Loakes, who represents Leytonstone ward and was leader when the controversial scheme was installed, said Cllr Northover needs a “reality check”.

He said: “I am so delighted the Conservatives have recognised there are actually places in the borough south of the A406.

“But how would this scheme be funded? The public sector finances are not that strong at the moment and funding for transport has been cut.

“How would it work? It would involve moving a bus station and what would happen to firms which rely on road access?

“We should not give people false dawns, come on Edwin, don't be naïve.”

Cllr Northover is vague about how the scheme would be funded, merely saying he hoped Tesco would be persuaded to contribute financially towards it.

The scheme is opposed by Barry Ishmael, the general manager of Goldline Cars taxi firm, which has an office in Church Lane and would be adversely affected if Cllr Northover's scheme ever came to fruition.

Mr Ishmael said: “This would deny customers access to our cars. This is showing little or no consideration for businesses like ours.

“We provide a valuable service to local residents, particularly those who are unable to use public transport, such as the elderly or infirm.”

Shoppers seemed to be divided on the merits of changing the High Road system.

Angela Douglas, 55 , of Elm Road, said: “This would just be redoing everything again, it would be pointless, there is always going to be heavy traffic.

But Usman Sakandar, 29, of Leytonstone High Road, was more positive.

He said: “I'm definitely in favour, the High Road, is not really like a proper high street, there is nothing there, this might help.

Rene Diehl, 49, of Browning Road, Leytonstone, said: “At the moment traffic is backed up to the roundabout, so I am in favour of changing it.

“WHAT do you think? Should the one-way system be scrapped? Could Leytonstone develop a cafe culture to rival Wanstead? Leave a comment below or email carlbrown@london.newsquest.co.uk