CONTROVERSY surrounds plans to convert a derelict shop into a fish and chip shop in a conservation area, ahead of a council meeting to decide it's fate.

Eleven residents and local businesses near the site on Aldersbrook Road have written to the council to object to the plan, which they say will increase litter and anti-social behaviour as a result of more people coming to the area.

Frances Goff, 75, of Wanstead Park Avenue said: “There are yellow lines along the stretch of Aldersbrook Road where cabbies park their cars, so where are customers going to park? You can see how busy it is with cars, even in the middle of the day.

“As well as that, all the school children taking the 101 bus will get off at the stop, go in and buy their fish and chips and either eat them there and drop their litter all over the place, or get back on the bus and bring all the smells and rubbish on board.

“It'll be bad for their health, and bad for the area. It's supposed to be a conservation area, but it's been going downhill for some time.”

Justin Richards, 32, also of Wanstead Park Avenue, said: “I think it would be a very bad thing for the area. We already get a lot of crime down here from people living on the estate up the road as it is.

“I've had my car windows smashed, the wing mirror kicked off, I've even chased boys back to the estate. I think a chip shop would just attract more attention to the area and bring more and more people walking up and down the road.”

But not all residents are opposed to the opening of such a business. Another resident on Wanstead Park Road, Sarla Velani, 44, would welcome the new addition.

She said: “If it is a traditional fish and chip shop, and not one of those kebab of Chinese food-type places, then I'm all for it. I grew up with things like that, and I miss it.”

Redbridge Council planners will meet at Snaresbrook Primary School on November 4 to decide on the application.