Woodford Bridge town centre could be in line for a £1.7million makeover after Redbridge councillors agreed to pursue funding with Transport for London (TfL).

If secured, money would be spent on renovating the area around the M11 flyover; improving crossing facilities along Chigwell Road and upgrading lighting in the town centre and around Roding Primary School, Roding Lane North.

Area two councillors at their meeting in Sir James Hawkey Hall, Broomhill Road, Woodford Green, last night, gave the go-ahead for Redbridge Council officers to consult the public on improvements before submitting a funding bid to TfL.

Jack Stone, of WJ Kingham Motors in Chigwell Road, welcomed the decision this morning.

He said: “That’s a lot of money to be fair, but having improvements is always better.

“It’s how it’s treated [afterwards] with littering.”

Outline plans were presented to the councillors which include footway resurfacing along Chigwell Road; new street lighting columns in Chigwell Road, Gaynes Hill Road, Roding Lane North and Roding Avenue; and a footway in The Green off Green Walk, which will in turn have a new textured surface area.

Cycle parking will be installed at appropriate locations and pedestrian signs will be improved.

Cllr Paul Canal, of Bridge ward, suggested a zebra crossing or similar at both ends of The Green to complement the proposed footpath and help children from Roding Primary School.

Scott Wilding, a team leader for Redbridge Council on transportation policy, replied: “It’s something officers could take into consultation.”

If successful, the scheme would be in addition to “street scene” improvements already underway in the Woodford Bridge shopping parade.

There will be a consultation with shopkeepers and residents during the summer.

A bid would be submitted in September with officers expecting to know the result by Christmas.