WHILE most of Bexley Council’s funding is under the cosh, London Mayor Boris Johnson has provided a small ray of sunshine.

He has confirmed £3.2m worth of cash to make sure most of the borough’s road improvement schemes will be going ahead next year.

These include £600,000 to be spent on improving Welling town centre and the traffic flow.

There will be £70,000 to finish off the Sidcup town centre renewal plans, easing traffic congestion in the town centre and improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to help stimulate shopping.

And £200,000 will be spent on design and consultation work for improvements to Bexleyheath’s town centre, including better road junctions, new paving and lighting, better pedestrian links to Bexleyheath and Barnehurst railway stations and the possible removal of some traffic lights in Arnsberg Way.

Unlike in previous years, Mr Johnson has given more flexibility to councils so they can prioritise schemes according to local need instead of being given their priorities by Transport for London.

Councillor Peter Craske, Bexley Council cabinet member for transport said: “At a time when spending is reduced across public services, it is good to have secured this investment, and we look forward to delivering it over the next three years.

“The plans are now published for residents to see and comment on before the final decisions are taken in April."

More than £4million will also be invested in highway maintenance over the next three years.