A campaign has been launched which aims to raise enough money keep flowerbeds in a popular South Woodford shopping street.

Funding is no longer being provided for the flowerbeds and grass verge in George Lane and Church End ward councillors have appealed to residents and businesses to help stump up the cash.

Cllr Richard Hoskins believes the cost for the year would be around �8,000 which would see the installation of more than 1,000 plants.

He said: “It would be a sad loss if the flowerbeds went because they make the street attractive.

“We believe residents get great enjoyment from them and we are looking at ways to keep them in bloom.

“If everyone could chip in a few pounds this would make the job easier and the cost could be reduced if volunteers helped do the planting.”

Cllr Hugh Cleaver will write to businesses informing them of the plans.