LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson has been meeting business owners in Gants Hill as he visits the newly-refurbished roundabout.

The Tory Mayor gave a speech outside The Bar, Woodford Avenue, and unveiled a plaque on the new-look roundabout, which has been subjected to more than a year of gruelling roadworks to install new crossings, traffic lights and paving.

Mr Johnson said: “In the end it took less time to build the Colosseum than it took to do Gants Hill but I think it will be worth it.

“It makes economic sense for London and above all outer London to spend money on schemes like this.

“There’s more space for people to walk around and shop.

“It brings a cafe culture feel.”

Mr Johnson began his visit with a walkabout of businesses, including Enzo’s Pizzeria and Serene Fish and Chips, where he said he was given the best welcome he had ever had.

During the visit he was challenged by two residents, angry about cleaning in the subway.

He promised to work with Transport for London and Redbridge Council to resolve the matter.