A bid to “top up” a �50,000 grant to decorate Gants Hill and Valentines Park during the Olympics was turned down by councillors last night.

Head of Communications at Redbridge Council Eddie Gibb presented an appeal for �10,000 that would be spent adding to bunting, flags, flowers and road shows throughout area committee seven during next year’s Games.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has granted each borough �50,000 in order to dress its streets up during the Olympics.

But councillors at the meeting in Melbourne Road, Ilford criticised the plans saying they were not thorough enough.

Cllr Elaine Norman said: “There is no costing or precise plan in this report. I think we would have a lot of trouble getting this past the borough solicitor if we were to say ‘here’s �4,000, go and spend it on what you like.’”

Cllr Ross Hatfull said: “I am concerned about this. It seems to be a very broad suggestion.

“I am also concerned about spending money on bunting that will last a few weeks. If residents want to celebrate the Olympics they can come to us and ask for funding,” he added.

Four councillors voted against granting any funding towards next year’s project.