MORE than £2.5 million is due to be spent on improving Leyton’s rundown streets.

Cabinet is tonight (July 20) is expected to agree an initial investment of £950,000 in roads and public spaces around Ruckholt Road, which will see the carriageway narrowed and pavements expanded to benefit pedestrians and improve road safety.

The funding for the scheme will come from central government and the Olympic budget.

If approved, the work is due to begin next month by contractor JB Riney Ltd.

The project will see the removal of “unnecessary signage and street furniture”, while new lighting, plants and trees will be introduced.

The council is also trying to secure further funding for a new footway and cycle bridge beside the existing Ruckholt Road bridge.

It is hoped the improvements will encourage inward investment, improve security and decrease carbon emissions in one of the most deprived areas of the borough.

A consultation exercise in March noted support from the public for the plans.

A total of £400,000 has also been allocated to improve nine shop fronts in Adelaide Road and Dunedin Road, Leyton.

Leyton Municipal Offices have already ungone a major refurbishment and Christian Action Housing Association are set to build 17 new homes next door.

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