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Back in June 2008, Bexley Council proudly announced it had acquired over a million pounds of funding from Transport for London to carry out improvement works in Belvedere.

At the time a spokesperson from the council said the works were needed to improve the "area, public safety and facilities for pedestrians and public transport."

A public consultation closed at the end of September and showed 106 people voted against the improvements, and 95 in favour. A petition carrying over 500 signatures of those who rejected the plans was also considered.

Cllr Peter Craske said: "This scheme would have represented the first major investment in the village for decades and the plans were intended to improve the area to secure its long term future as an important local business centre."

"Throughout the project we鈥檝e listened to local people, including organising a public meeting for people to come along and have their say, and amended the plans to take their views into account."

Belvedere Village

"When people opposed making Albert Road into two-way traffic, or opening access through the car park from Albany Road to the Village, or a new footway in Streamway, we dropped these elements completely."

"The people of the area have spoken and I hope they will welcome my decision."

Still going ahead

Aspects of the improvement works on the busy shopping area will still continue, with additional CCTV cameras, road resurfacing and new street lights going ahead.

The council says it will remove just two car parking spaces to make way for a new zebra crossing; following requests from local residents.

There will now be discussions with TfL to see if the remainder of the 拢1.3m can be used for traffic scheme elsewhere in the borough.

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