Work is underway to transform a Bexleyheath memorial garden - on the site of the area's first ever church.

Improvement work at the Steeple Memorial Gardens in Oakland Road started on January 12.

The site is home to Bexleyheath's War Memorial and garden of remembrance for those people from Bexleyheath who lost their lives fighting for their country across many conflicts, as well as local civilians killed in the blitz of the Second World War.

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An image of what the gardens could look like

It was also the location of the first church in Bexleyheath, the predecessor to the current Christ Church in the Broadway, and looks set to be adorned with benches embellished with poppies.

The project has been made possible thanks to a £40,000 grant from the Mayor of London’s Pocket Park scheme which aims of a Pocket Park is to provide people in town and city centres with green space to relax and escape from the busy urban environment.

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An image of what the gardens could look like

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Leisure, Cllr Alex Sawyer said: "Despite being part of a busy town centre these small gardens can be quite easily overlooked.

"This is a real shame for somewhere with such rich historical meaning for our town.

"These funds will allow us to improve access to and from the town centre and will significantly enhance the setting of the Memorial making it easier for those in wheelchairs or who are less able, to get closer to it during remembrance services."

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An image of what the gardens could look like

Public access to the south part of the gardens will be maintained throughout the works as will access to Tenpin’s Bowling Centre.

Pedestrians heading between Oaklands Road and the Broadway will at times be diverted around the park.

For more information call 020 8303 7777 and ask for the Parks and Open Spaces Team or email parksandopenspaces@bexley.gov.uk