A CAMPAIGN has been launched to halt the introduction of more eateries in Epping High Street.

Epping Community Group has posted signs on every premises earmarked for sale or rent urging prospective owners and leaseholders to focus on retail rather than restaurants.

The poster reads: "If Epping High Street is to thrive it needs a variety of shops so we would respectfully ask anyone proposing to buy or rent this shop, please don't open another cafe or fast-food restaurant or take-away in this High Street."

Group chairman Ian Anderson said there had been a recent trend of premises being put up for sale rather than for rent, with many being converted into eateries.

"We need more shops to keep the High Street vibrant but we only have a few years left before we lose our High Street as it is today."

Mr Anderson also criticised Epping Forest District Council for the management of the High Street, and the district and town councils for not doing enough to promote the town.

He said: "The district council has the power to decide whether to approve or deny the change of use of a premises to an eatery."

Epping mayor Brian Rolfe agreed there should be more retail businesses but balked at the suggestion that the town council had failed to promote the town.

Mr Rolfe said: "Although we can't claim to have solved the problem of the High Street we can point to many achievements, including the introduction of the farmers market.

If Mr Anderson has any constructive comments to make he's more than welcome to come and talk with us."

Mr Anderson also attacked the district council's handling of the High Street parking situation, which he feels has had a detrimental effect on passing trade.

"We've been shouting about this and it's progressed at a snail's pace. If they were in charge of the Olympics they wouldn't be ready by 2112, let alone 2012."

A district council spokesman said: "The local plan contains a policy which essentially restricts ground- floor non-retail in the key retail frontage to 30 per cent.

"There are problems with that policy; for example, where the non-retail level had exceeded that percentage before the policy was introduced, and because there were generous flexibilities for a long period where premises within non-retail uses already could change to restaurant-type uses with no recourse to us.

"The 1987 order was amended last year.

"We're aware that the signs have gone up. An important issue for retailing generally is that any business can only continue to operate or come in if it is going to get custom."