FURIOUS traders in one of Redbridge's main shopping areas have slammed 'Scrooge' councillors for leaving them without Christmas lights this year.

Shopkeepers in Snakes Lane East and St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, were left fuming after members of the council for Bridge Ward - who represent the area - chose not to purchase any festive decorations, despite having a discretionary budget of £12,000.

The news has re-ignited anger among traders over a perceived inequality between Snakes Lane East, to the east of Woodford tube station, and The Broadway, to the west, which WILL get Christmas lights this year.

Shopkeepers in Snakes Lane East - who were also left without hanging baskets during the summer, partly because Bridge ward councillors refused to make a contribution towards the cost - say they feel like their area is being neglected.

Val Martinelli, manager of Lunch 4 U, has organised a petition among shopkeepers in St Barnabas Road, calling on councillors to come up with the money.

She said: "It's outrageous that we aren't going to get any lights.

"We pay the same business rates as everyone else but what do we get back for it? Nothing.

"It's unbelievable that they just decided not to give us any lights without telling us.

"We only found out from a council workman in the street."

Gita Bacheta, of Jubilee News, in Snakes Lane East said: "Why should we pay our rates when we get so little back?

"No-one has told us why we aren't getting the Christmas lights.

"It's about time the council did something for us for once."

Church End ward councillor Richard Hoskins said: "It like they're saying humbug to Christmas.

"Shopkeepers there deserve better."

Bridge ward councillor Robin Turbefield said: "For a number of years the ward councillors have been concerned that the quality of the decorations was certainly not worth the amount of money being paid out.

"This year we were being asked to contribute £4,500 for lamppost decorations in Snakes Lane and Chigwell Road.

"A number of residents had mentioned the value for money in previous years and last year we did a survey of all residents and the replies came back confirming that residents did not think it was council money well spent.

"Area committees only have a limited budget to spend and we are committed to spending our budget on projects or items that are long term and value for money.

"I can assure you that we are not being politically correct nor anti-Christmas. We have recently been contacted regarding the war memorial at St Barnabas church and can confirm that we will be making a contribution to restore the memorial to its former glory commemorating those service men from the area who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country."