HOPE that George Lane’s flower beds were to be saved by local young people has proved a false dawn.

Redbridge Council’s Youth Crime Prevention Service was considering using local youths at risk of offending to plant the flowers and may even have paid for them.

But the plan was scuppered when the service said they had two projects to complete and could not focus on George Lane’s plight.

The idea was put forward informally last week by an officer at the Service but formal discussions this week concluded that regretfully the project had be set aside due to other project funding commitments.

Cllr Richard Hoskins, of Church End ward, who is behind the push for funding, said: “It is disappointing but we will continue to ask residents and shops for cash.

"It’s great news that a number of people have already given towards the project.”

Sainsbury’s has promised £100 and the Guardian has received cheques for a further £70, meaning there is still £1,830 to collect.

Cllr Hoskins added that he and others will begin a fundraising campaign at the shops to secure the money vital to the flower beds’ continuing existence.

If you wish to make a donation towards the flower beds then please write a cheque to the George Lane Flower Appeal and send it to Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, 8 Simon Campion Court, High Street, Epping, CM16 4AU.