TRADERS across the borough are feeling the pinch as the icy conditions keep many shoppers away from our high streets.

Shopkeepers in George Lane South Woodford have been particularly hard hit during the cold snap, with many stores seeing big drops in trade during the past week.

Kerk Davies, head of South Woodford Business Partnership, said businesses with high numbers of elderly customers have suffered the most.

He said: "Some traders are taking a deep breath at the moment.

"Lots of businesses see a drop in revenue over the Christmas period because of the bank holidays, so this time of year can be tough enough already.

"But with the weather we're getting at the moment lots of older people are staying away, which is a real problem.

"Older people in particular tend to do a lot of their shopping locally.

"They'll pop by the greengrocers and then stop for a sandwich in one of the cafes, but that's really dropped off significantly this week."

Mr Davies pointed to the recent closures of three businesses next to South Woodford Underground Station as a sign of the problems facing many traders.

He said: "Things are tough at the moment. Threshers, an ice-cream shop and a clothes shop have all closed down there.

"The ice has definitely led to a decrease in footfall here."

Traders in other parts of Redbridge are suffering similar problems, with business also down for many shops in Wanstead High Street and Woodford High Road.

Greengrocer Luca Fiori said: "George Lane is definitely quieter.

"It's the knock on effect of the snow. You can understand why. Older people don't want to risk slipping over and hurting themselves.

"There was also a few problems on the Tube which impacted on evening trade."