A DEAL made between a council and Transport for London (TfL) means the Thames Clipper river service will continue for another four years.

The £269,000 agreement between Greenwich Council and TfL sees them jointly subsidising boat services between the O2 and Woolwich Arsenal.

Theses services were originally subsidised by TfL, Greenwich Council and Berkeley Homes but the contract ended in January.

Following discussions between TfL, Greenwich Council and Thames Clippers, a new deal has been agreed which has secured the current number of boat services until 2013.

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts, said: “The service is proving to be an increasingly popular alternative with commuters.

"I’m delighted that Greenwich Council and TfL have been able to attract the funds to keep this service running to Woolwich for a further four years."

Meanwhile director of TfL's London river services Mike Weston said: “The Thames Clipper commuter service has grown in popularity over the last few years.

"This deal to secure the future of the service to Woolwich Arsenal pier means Londoners can continue to benefit from a fast, frequent and relaxing service to and from the centre of London.”

This year up to 770 people a day have been using the service to commute between Woolwich and central London and Docklands - an increase of 11 per cent from the previous year.

From November onwards, passengers will be able to use Oyster cards on Thames Clipper services.

Woolwich resident Anne Esposito is delighted at the news. She said: "We were all very concerned the boat services would disappear. It would have caused a travel nightmare for a lot of Woolwich residents.

The 48-year-old added: "It's great news that something has been sorted out, and even better news that we will be able to use our Oyster cards from next month."

For more information on river services in London, visit tfl.gov.uk/rivers or thamesclippers.com Visit newsshopper.co.uk/li for the latest travel news in your area.