TRANSPORT bosses have given a date for the replacement of a safety guard rail which was removed from the side of a busy A-road without public 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 barrier 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 finally agreed to re-install part of the rail - which it hopes to have replaced by the end of January.

A TfL spokeswoman said: "Sections of guard rail along the A406 near Thornwood Close were removed following an assessment which found that the guard rail 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."