CHANGES are likely to be made to a permit parking scheme after families and businesses demanded a review.

Permit parking came into force on Addison, Chaucer, Dangan and Spratt Hall Roads in Wanstead last April after complaints commuters were clogging up roads.

But some businesses have said the scheme is costing them money because customers can no longer park nearby.

At a meeting of Snaresbrook and Wanstead councillors on July 23 a number of possible changes will be discussed.

Igor Bekaert who owns Belgique in Cambridge Park says his trade has been hit hard since the scheme came into force.

He added: “I would like to see a one hour ban introduced on one side of Spratt Hall Road.

“It worked well in the past and does deter commuters.

“I understand that everyone needs to use their car a bit less, but we also need some spaces for non-residents, or we risk destroying village life in Wanstead.”

Spratt Hall Road resident Marjorie Gadd says she has been enjoying the peace and quiet since April.

But she added: “I don’t mind if they release a few spaces on the road as long as priority is given to residents over businesses.

“This is a residential road and our needs must not be overridden by businesses.”

In his report into the trial scheme, Highways officer Nigel Burch says a limited number of business permits could be introduced in the Grove Park car park and outlines several changes to the existing scheme which will be considered on Spratt Hall Road.

He also says residents in Gordon Road could be re-consulted on the introduction of permits and that people in Wanstead Place could be allocated permits in Spratt Hall Road.

Shirley Sawyer says commuter parking has become much worse outside her home in Wanstead Place since April.

She added: “My husband has DVT, arthritis and is recovering from cancer. He struggles to walk long distances to the car.

“We only use it on Fridays now because I am worried that I will not be able to park outside our house if I leave during the week.”

Any change to the scheme will not take place until after the Olympics.

Mrs Sawyer said: “I’m resigned to the fact that nothing will happen for a while.”

“I can accept that as long as I know something is going to happen because the situation does need to be changed.”

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