With Christmas round the corner, Greenwich council has received a huge gift of £2 million that will change the image of Eltham High Street.

Transport for London has awarded this huge sum to improve Eltham High Street and Greenwich council are delighted to be part of this major scheme.

A spokesperson from Greenwich council said: "These plans will bring improvements for pedestrians, cyclist and public transport users and will update and modernise the High Street into an attractive public space with better access to amenities and wider pavements.

"The scheme will also bring better lighting, more cycle parking, new street furniture and more trees planted - which will all help to change the face of the town centre, creating a more welcoming, attractive space."

The council are also looking to involve the local people in their improvement plans.

Once detailed proposals have been drawn up they will seek to get local people’s views so that they can be fed into the final proposal.

This is just the start of an overall masterplan to improve Eltham which will include a new cinema and restaurant complex on Eltham High Street.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is delighted with the funding across all the boroughs across London saying: "This funding is specifically targeted to provide benefits at key locations across London, helping to make the capital’s roads and open spaces safer, more pleasant places to be. Providing better cycling and walking routes, as well as a raft of major improvements to our streets will help to boost the quality of life of those who live and work in our great city.

Improvement work on Eltham High Street will begin next year.