MAJOR work to transform a residential area into a safer and greener place has started.

Around £3m of government cashwill be spent in the Woolwich Common area.

The first phase of work, which started last week, will see a chunk of the money spent on improving Herbert Road.

Greenwich Council decided to carry out the work because residents were concerned a lack of lighting and an uneven pavement were putting safety at risk.

The rest of the money will be spent on re-lighting alleyways, creating extra parking spaces and cleaning up streets.

Council member for environment Councillor Alex Grant said: "This money is going towards improvements which will make a real difference to people's quality of life and give them pride in their area."

The council secured the money from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Liveability fund earlier this year.