Have your say on parking proposals for Hilldene Shopping Centre.

Havering Council is currently consulting with local businesses and residents on the plans to tackle commuter parking in the area.

The council is proposing to introduce residential and business permit areas as well as pay and display to encourage shopping.

It is also planning extra parking bays to the back of the shops, which will mean the removal of garage units, and the addition of new disabled parking bays.

Plans also include improvements to street lighting, including behind the shops, waiting restrictions and more loading bays to help shops with deliveries.

The council has proposed a one-way system around East and West Dene with the aim of improving traffic flow and to ease congestion.

A consultation on proposed changes started on Friday, and has been extended to 35 days to take account of the Christmas period to Friday, January 18.

Cllr Steven Kelly, deputy leader of the council, said: “These proposed changes will significantly improve the area in terms of safety and trade. We want to involve residents and traders to make sure that we are addressing all of the issues that affect them.

“At the moment the area is poorly lit which makes people uneasy about walking around, especially at night. We want to make sure that all visitors can park easily, use the shops and feel safe.”

Lynne T said on social website Streetlife said: “I quite liked to drive to Hilldene shops to do a bit of shopping as never had to worry about parking there...certainly not full of parked “commuters” but a steady flow of people coming and going, no problem. I am afraid I will give it a miss if I have to pay to park there, so another parade of shops will start to empty.”

But Bill E said: “About time too. Why should Harold Hill have free parking when the rest of the borough has to pay?”

Residents can find out further details about the scheme, including information on how to give their views by visiting www.havering.gov.uk/hilldeneconsultation.