Ambitious calls to extend Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet have been boosted by a £4.8m influx from the government.

Crossrail, otherwise known as the Elizabeth line, was originally planned to go from London to Kent before plans were scaled back over costs.

The Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission began developing plans for the area in 2016, throwing its weight behind taking the line out to Ebbsfleet last year.

The government has now said it will be stumping up cash to “develop proposals for enhancing transport services” from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet.

The announcement has been welcomed by Bexley Council, which has an ambitious growth strategy for thousands of homes in the north of the borough centred around better transport links.

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Teresa O’Neill, the leader of Bexley Council, which has lobbied for an extension under the Crossrail 2 Ebbsfleet (C2E) campaign, told the local democracy reporting service: “It’s been four years hard work and heavy lifting and it will be fantastic for Bexley – it’s been a lot of hard work it’s very exciting. It’s a no-brainer really, it has to be finished off.

“It was stopped for economic reasons and we all understood that but it needs to be finished. It’s such an opportunity.

“It’s in the distance now, another very vital step forward and it shows people have listened.”

The money will go towards “low-cost proposals” ahead of a wider improvement scheme to be developed following Crossrail’s opening next year.

A council spokesman said the funding is short of the amount needed for a full business case but will boost a future extension for further funding in the spending review planned for autumn.

The government’s multi-million package also includes bids to drive up housing and jobs along the Thames.

Communities secretary and Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire, said: “The Thames Estuary has long been a gateway to the UK economy and has enormous untapped potential, which has the power to benefit those that live and work in the area.

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“Having considered the recommendations of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission, I have announced a number of steps we are taking to unlock an even brighter future for the estuary’s economy, marking the beginning of a new and bolder approach by this government to support the area.”

Bexley’s growth strategy outlines 31,500 homes by 2050, centred around new neighbourhoods and town centres primarily in the north of the borough – Thamesmead, Erith, Abbey Wood and Slade Green.

Other investments include £1m for a new Thames Estuary Growth Board and a cabinet-level “ministerial champion”.

Mr Brokenshire said in the government’s response: “As an Essex boy, born in Southend, and having represented Old Bexley and Sidcup for nine years now, I well know the unique strengths of the Thames Estuary.

“It is the UK’s most important waterway with a rich cultural and economic heritage, outstanding natural landscapes and tremendous potential to power growth for the benefit for local communities and our entire country after Brexit.”