CAMPAIGNERS appear to have won their battle to get a safety railing re-installed after it was taken down without consultation.

Residents living next to the busy A406 near Charlie Brown's roundabout in South Woodford were angered when a metal guard was removed by Transport for London (TfL) earlier this month as part of a new scheme to clear the capital's streets of 'clutter.'

Critics of the move said the guard rail was essential for keeping people - particularly children - safe from fast-moving traffic when using a nearby bus stop, and complained that they were not asked for their views before the barrier was removed.

But following complaints by residents TfL has apparently agreed to re-install the rail.

Grandmother-of-five Pat Ilett, of Thornwood Close, has helped lead the campaign to have the rails replaced.

She said: "I can't believe they took them away in the first place.

"Someone, like our local councillors should have been asked about this before they removed them.

"We campaigned for a long time to get those railing extended, and then they just took them away. It didn't make any sense.

"I would like to know when they are planning to replace them.

"Lots of children use the bus stop there when they're on their way to Oakdale School so it's important they are put back quickly."

Roding ward councillor, Felicity Banks - who contacted the Guardian with the news - said: "I'm delighted that they've decided to put the rail back.

"It's an important guard rail. People should have been asked their views on this before it was taken away."

Replacing the guard is predicted to cost thousands of pounds.

A TfL spokeswoman said: "Sections of guard rail along the A406 near Thornwood Close were removed following an assessment which found that the guardrail at this location did not provide a clear safety benefit.

"Although Redbridge Council didn't initially raise any objections to the removal programme, they have since asked us to review our decision.

"We will be meeting with council representatives at the site in the next two weeks to determine how much guard rail will be reinstalled, and work should be complete by the end of January."