BEXLEY is celebrating the news that London Mayor Boris Johnson has dropped plans to build the Thames Gateway bridge.

The decision, was announced in the mayor's 10-year transport plan, which was released today.

There was applause in Bexley's council chamber last night when the news was announced by council leader Councillor Teresa O'Neill.

She said: "I am sure the mayor listened to Bexley, and we are truly grateful for that."

The £500m bridge was to have stretched between Thamesmead and Newham in east London and caused huuge controversy and opposition, especially in Bexley.

Announcing the decision, Mr Johnson said the objections raised at the public inquiry had always been a concern, particularly the disbenefits to traffic flow.

A statement from Transport for London added: "In addition, the funding gap that has now arisen, along with other concerns over location and environmental impact, has compounded the Mayor's view that the proposal is not the right one, particularly in light of the consistent local opposition to the scheme."

The news has been greeted with delight by opponents.

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett said: "This decision represents a victory for all the local residents who worked so vigorously to oppose Labour’s proposed bridge.

"Like many others, I spoke against the proposed bridge at the public inquiry, as it would have been a disaster for our local environment."

Jacqui Wise, of Action Group Against the Bridge and St Michael's Residents' Association, who organised oppostion to the bridge across Bexley, said: "Obviously we are very pleased with the mayor's announcement this morning, that plans for the Thames Gateway bridge will no longer be pursued."

But not everyone was delighted with the news.

City and East London assembly member, John Biggs said: "The London economy vitally needs this sort of boost and east London's ability to provide growth and job opportunities for the capital as a whole will be seriously compromised by this decision."