THOUSANDS of pounds have been spent on improvements to Bexley's premier lake in time for the summer.

Cash, provided by outside bodies, has paid for the work which will improve water quality in Danson lake in Danson Park, Welling, and improve fishing and access.

New reed beds have been planted at the west end of the lake to prevent pond weeds from clogging the lake.

The work was paid for by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister through its Living Spaces grant scheme.

Thames Water has also installed an electronic pollution detector to help improve water quality.

To boost fishing in the lake, the Environment Agency has introduced 4,000 rudd and 4,000 roach in the past two years. It has also invested £37,000 of its fishing licence money to create five all-ability fishing stations on the south side of the lake, using wood recycled from coastal sea defences.

Habitat improvements for fish and other wildlife have also been made.

The agency is planning to host a number of junior angling events at Danson and children will be able to take part in taster sessions, with the first planned for the Danson Festival on July 2.

Meanwhile Transport for London and the London Cycle Network have spent £42,000 on a new 800m path improving the connection between Danson Road and Danson Lane and making the 2,000 circumference of the lake accessible to wheelchair users, cyclists and pedestrians.

The path is also linked to the London Cycle Network.