Christmas has come early for shoppers and businesses in Woodford Bridge, which will be having a £1.7million makeover.

The town centre, near the M11 flyover, will be renovated with money from Transport for London following a successful bid by Redbridge Council.

Shoppers will be able to move around safely with new crossings in Chigwell Road and improved lighting.

Pavements will be resurfaced and a new surface will be put in The Green for pedestrians.

Cllr Ian Bond, cabinet member for resources, said the changes will give a boost to the area.

He added: “A well looked-after town centre makes a big difference and it encourages people to use it.”

Ward councillors are still pushing for pedestrian crossing at both end of The Green for children at Roding Primary School and to link up with the new path.

Cllr Paul Canal said the funding was “excellent news”, especially as it means the improvements will not come out of local rate payers’ pockets.

Cllr Robin Turbefield welcomed the scheme following other street improvements, festive lights and a new, permanent Christmas tree.

He added: “It represents a major upgrade to the area and an example of our determination to preserve and enhance the conservation area.”

The money came out of TfL’s Local Implementation Fund of £148m, which was divided between London boroughs for road improvements, safer cycling, high street regeneration and to tackle air pollution.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “This funding, together with the investment through my roads and cycling plans, means the improvements being delivered in partnership with London’s boroughs is simply unprecedented.”

A total £4.8m was given to Redbridge for road maintenance, local transport, neighbourhoods and major projects.

Cllr John Fairley Churchill said: “Woodford Bridge is a key shopping destination for local residents and this investment will help protect its future.”