Redbridge Council proposed the scheme across the borough earlier this year with one of the key areas being Wanstead High Street.
In August, a petition was launched against the proposal and to date has registered almost 2,000 signatures.
Paul Thackray has lived in Wanstead since 1982 and told this paper: “They’re rolling out this plan across Redbridge and it feels as though the council doesn’t understand – it’s like one size fits all.
Wanstead High Street sign(Image: Dan Murdoch)
“There are plenty of market stalls in Romford or Walthamstow or Ilford if you want.
“I’m sure that this will just be the start, then more stalls will be added and we’ll end up with a load of boarded up shops who can’t pay business rates with a row of street stalls in front of them.”
Boran Kortelli owns greengrocers Harvey’s and said: “It’s not fair for us who pay ridiculous business rates and rent when stall holders are going to be paying way less.
“If it was fair competition then fine because that’s part of business but it’s not fair.
“There might be rubbish left, the street might not be looked after – there’s other issues too.”
Wanstead resident and Bafta nominated film maker Dan Murdoch also expressed concerns over how the proposal may change the look of High Street.
“It seemed a bit nuts when we first heard about it – the vibe of the high street would be changed,” he said.
“We have a Costa and a couple other chains but apart from that it’s mainly sweet, independent shops and that’s why the street has such a nice feel.
“The idea that these stalls might be taking business and also disrupting the ambience of the location obviously has got people upset.
“This is a conservation area – we shouldn’t be messing around with it.”
A public meeting was held at Christchurch Hall on September 27 which was attended by more than 300 people, according to Paul.
This was organised by Colin Cronin who claimed that when anyone in favour of the proposal was asked to raise their hand at the meeting, nobody did.
“As you would expect from the amazing Wanstead community the meeting was a lively discussion with a unanimous feeling amongst residents and shopkeepers alike that not only are these pitches not needed, they are most certainly not wanted,” he said.
“Several shop owners at the meeting made the point that the move to introduce High Street stalls would effectively kill their businesses.”
Paul, Colin and Dan were all in agreement that nobody in the community was aware of the the consultation period for the proposal, which the council said ran from July to October last year.
A council spokesperson said: “We ran a public consultation from July 22 to October 31, 2024 to look at new street trading opportunities across all of Redbridge.
“Local residents and businesses were invited to share their views, and their feedback helped shape the final plans considered and agreed by the council.
“The list of approved trading locations was then advertised in the Wanstead online edition of the Yellow Advertiser on three separate dates in April and May 2025.
“To spread the word and encourage participation, the council ran targeted Facebook ads and worked with Wanstead Market to make sure all traders were informed about the consultation.
“Street trading is expected to help bring more people to our high streets which will help support local businesses, create space for new local start-ups, and give shoppers more choice.
“The aim is to enhance what is on offer for local people and the council is now looking forward to reviewing applications and making sure they suit the needs of the community.”
