Barkingside is a step closer to securing almost �2million of funding from City Hall for a regeneration project.

Cabinet members were asked to consider match funding the bid as a matter of urgency at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

In total, the borough is bidding for three grants – one for the River Roding Valley flood protection scheme, one for Ilford Town Centre to “rebuild Ilford’s confidence”, and the Barkingside bid – a total of �4.6 m.

Cabinet approved match-funding the Barkingside bid at �200,000, bringing a total of �1.95m if the scheme is given the thumbs-up.

The cash could see a new town square in front of Fullwell Cross Library.