The family of Sally Anne Bowman has been rocked by the news that an application for a permanent memorial in the street where she was killed has been rejected.

A temporary plaque was installed next to the tree in Blenheim Crescent where the 18-year-old aspiring model was stabbed to death on September 25 last year.

Sally Anne's family hoped that an application for a permanent plaque would be approved by Croydon Council.

But after consulting the road's residents and a local government association the council rejected plans for a permanent memorial. The temporary plaque was removed by council workers on Monday.

Sally Anne's mother Linda Bowman, said: "This has made us hit rock bottom. We feel like the council has let us down.

"We received a letter from the council in May giving us 100 per cent backing. The next thing I know they are double crossing us.

"I also think that the residents are gloating and look at the whole situation like we've lost, but they don't know the full story.

"The council gave us permission to put that plaque there and we followed all the correct procedures and that's what the residents don't know. They think we've done it off our own back but that's not the case."

A Blenheim Crescent resident, who refused to be named, said: "Mrs Bowman has taken over our street for eight months and this is a victory for the people of Blenheim Crescent and common sense."

A Croydon Council spokes-man said: "The council had given permission for a temporary plaque to be installed ahead of the first anniversary of the murder. It was made clear to Sally Anne's mother that the installation was conditional on feedback from consultation.

"While sensitive to the family for the appalling tragedy it experienced, the council was also obliged to take account of the deeply held feelings of residents living in Blenheim Crescent."