AN MP is welcoming the move to bring a station to Woolwich as part of the £16bn Crossrail network.

Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin, who is secretary of the all-party parliamentary group for Crossrail, is delighted the Government has finally given the go-ahead.

Transport secretary Douglas Alexander made the U-turn after Greenwich Council and property giant Berkeley Homes submitted plans on how they would finance the costs of the station.

Mr Austin said: "I am over the moon. This is a great victory for local MPs and the council's campaign."

He added: "The council is to be congratulated on putting together a package which the Government has finally accepted.

"But we also owe a debt of gratitude to MP Alan Meale, who chairs the Crossrail Bill Committee, and the committee members, who stood firm in support of Woolwich.

"It is great news for regeneration, employment and prosperity and will ensure inward investment into the area."

Work on Crossrail is expected to start next year, not this year, as printed in last week's News Shopper. We are happy to clarify this.