Area committee three has criticised the council for the lack of publicity given to the Better Barkingside meeting which will help decide how �2.1million will be spent.

Councillors suggested that there were a number of missed opportunities by Redbridge Council to inform people about the meeting which will give residents and businesses an input in how the money will spent on Barkingside High Street.

Cllr Nick Hayes said: “There is a call for the council to do more to publicise the meeting as this is something people were extremely interested in at a conceptual level, so now the money is real, they will want an input.

“The council must not leave all the publicity to Barkingside 21. We want as many ideas heard as possible.”

The meeting will be held on September 27 from 7.30-9pm in The Aldborough Room, Fullwell Cross Library, High Street, Barkingside.

Cllr Joyce Ryan said: “Two million doesn’t go very far especially when building work is involved which is why we must get peoples opinions. But its not just important for people near the High Street, but all over the area.

“I am disappointed that more thought wasn’t given to letting people know.”

Chairman of Barkingside 21, John Sharrock, said: “There should have been something in Redbridge Life which came out this week.”

The cash injection, which was agreed in March, will come from the Mayor of London and Redbridge Council to help improve the High Street.

Cllr Harold Moth added: “We need a leaflet to be put through every door within a half mile radius of the High Street.”