A new row has flared up after Havering Council announced that it is to reconsider controversial plans to close a Harold Wood road to traffic.

The plan to erect a barrier in Cornflower Way to stop rat-running through the neighbouring Romleighs Estate was taken at a Harold Wood and Nelmes Community Area Forum back in May.

We reported how angry residents claimed they had not been notified about the meeting, and now the matter is to be reconsidered at the September Forum - sparking protests from those who fought to have the road closed in the first place.

"Everybody on the estate knew about the meeting and the road closure and had lots of opportunities to voice their opinions," said Phil Walter, who lives in Cornflower Way.

"A lot of us are really upset at this because we feel that we have gone down the democratic path and they haven't bothered, with the end result that this is now being held up.

"We are at a loss as to what is going on. There are an awful lot of angry people here."

He added: "We want an answer as to how this happened and we want a written assurance that people are not going to be able to join the debate at this stage.

"May was the cut-off date for objections. If we get these two things then we will be happy."

But campaigners against the closure are not yet claiming victory.

Martin Bevan, of Juniper Way, said: "We all feel that we have done as much as we can reasonably do. We are happy that our letters have had the desired effect and the most we can hope for is that the council will reconsider its decision."

Cllr Peter Gardner, chairman of the forum, stressed that the original plans have not been reversed, saying: "The decision to close the road exists, the traffic order exists, the gate exists, and we are waiting for confirmation.

"There would have to be some very, very good arguments put forward to sway the whole committee."

He added: "The number of people who have contacted me objecting to the closure of the road is very small compared with the number of people who favour it."

The Harold Wood and Nelmes Community Area Forum will consider the closure on Tuesday September 7 at 7.30pm at Redden Court School, Cotswold Road.

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