Redbridge Council has said no final decision has been made over whether the gates at Cavendish Avenue, Fairlawn Drive and Kelvedon Way in Woodford Green will close for good.

Notices on the gates stated they would remain closed in May prompting a backlash from readers who said it would damage business and effect access for emergency services.

The council currently pays a contractor £36,000 a year to operate the gates.

A spokeswoman said: “The current arrangement whereby the council pays a contractor is not considered to be value for money at a time when the council has to cut costs.

“In the meantime we have been investigating a range of options to find a cost-effective long-term solution which suits residents.

“In the interim, however, we have considered closing the gates to avoid increasing traffic during peak times.”

Email your views to highways.parkingdesign@redbridge.gov.uk