A CRUNCH meeting will be held on Tuesday to decide the fate of �250,000 which will be spent on public art in South Woodford.

The money, made up of contributions from developers, has been earmarked for improving the area around the A406 bridge in High Road.

Councillors and planning officers will discuss ways of using the cash and a list a proposals will be drawn up.

An idea for an “iconic statue” had been considered but Church End ward Cllr Richard Hoskins said it had fallen out of favour because there were more important issues that needed to be addressed.

Mr Hoskins said: “This money needs to be spent correctly and I am pleased we have moved away from the possibility of a big statue.

“The area around the bridge is looking old and untidy and should be made into a more attractive break in the motorway where people can come to relax.

“For example I think we need to maintain the green area by clearing weeds and installing new plantation.

“The brickwork and benches need revamping and then we could have some smaller pieces of artwork put up to add colour.”

Cllr Hoskins spoke of the importance of involving residents in the decision and said he will argue for a public consultation period.

“I don’t want to go ahead with an idea if residents can’t see the value of it,” he said.

“The decision for what is best shouldn’t be made solely by a small committee and I will be pushing to allow the public to have their say.”

Developers also pledged �100,000 which went towards the relaunch of Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, and �103,000 which was spent on improving shopfronts between the A406 and Derby Road.

l How would you like to see the money spent? Email your suggestions to mark.weatherup@archant.co.uk