A MAJOR project to improve one of Bexley’s busiest streets had received a £3.5m boost.

The cash, from Transport for London’s area based schemes project, will be spent trying to make Bexleyheath Broadway more attractive at night and easier to get to.

Councillor Peter Craske, cabinet member for transport,told last week’s council meeting: “After 6pm the action in the Broadway, moves from the civic offices end to the other end.”

Unveiling the successful bid at the meeting, Cllr Craske said the council had been asking people about their views of the Broadway.

Bexley had also commissioned councillors to carry out a scrutiny project on the issue.

He said: “We had plenty of ideas, but no money to carry them out.”

Cllr Craske said the first phase of the three-year scheme which will cover the stretch of the Broadway between Gravel Hill and Albion Road, was planned for next year at a cost of £375,000.

“Over the next year we will be looking at things such as how easy it is to get from Bexleyheath or Barnehurst railway stations to the Broadway and if we need to improve the bus service or signing.

“Bexleyheath is a key town centre, but it is difficult to get to via public transport.”

He said the council will be looking at improving the bus stops in Market Square, developing a taxi and marshalling scheme, brightening the street lighting and the possibility of getting rid of some sets of traffic lights to allow traffic to flow more easily.

Cllr Craske said the council would be working on detailed designs over the next few months, with plans for a public consultation in the spring, including an exhibition of the proposals.

He added: “We hope to start implementing the proposals from November next year and the whole scheme will take about three years to complete.”