HARD-pressed traders face losing hundreds of pounds a week in takings after the council launched a new crackdown on street displays.

Shopkeepers in The Broadway, Woodford Green, have accused the authority of kicking them when they are down after they were told to stop leaving goods outside their stores - or face a hefty fine.

Many traders say they have advertised their wares on the pavement for decades without any interference from the council, and are angry that the authority has chosen to clamp down on the practice now, during the middle of a recession.

Each shopkeeper has received a letter giving them three days to remove their displays because they supposedly make the pavement 'unsafe' for disabled or elderly pedestrians to use.

Sacha Towler, owner of Sacha's Florists, said she always made sure to position her flower arrangements safely and that many customers simply assume she has closed since they were removed.

She said: "This just feels like yet another kick for small business.

"We have already got extra parking enforcement down here which puts people off stopping at our shops, and now we can't even display our goods.

"No-one has ever fallen over my flower display in all the years I've been here.

"It just seems like the council are doing all they can to make life hard for small traders."

Rajan Madlani, of Jay Jay Stores, said he could lose up to £250 a week because of the move.

He said: "Having a display outside your shop attracts customers in, and is vital for us.

"I've been here 25 years and never been told not to do this. We're all struggling at the moment and yet they choose to enforce this rule now?"

In a letter to traders enforcement officer Sarah Kaye said: "Under section 137 Highway Act 1980 a person who without lawful consent or excuse in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along the highway is guilty of an offence.

"It is considered that the display of advertising boards, bollards and goods for sale within the adopted highway pose a physical obstacle to the safe use of the highway, particularly with regard to elderly, disabled and visually impaired users of the public footpath.

"Failure to comply within three days of receiving this letter will result in a fixed penalty, removal of items and prosecution proceedings under section 137 of the Highway Act 1980."