WORK is underway on the £1.8m investment programme for the revival of Sidcup High Street.

The project will be carried out over the next two years and is funded by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund and Bexley Council.

Cash will be used to improve public spaces by creating better access and an improved environment for residents, shoppers and visitors.

Plans include reinforcing the link between Morrisons and the High Street on Nisbett Walk, strengthening links between the railway station, High Street and the Queen Mary's Health Campus and delivering incentives to attract new businesses.

Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, Councillor Linda Bailey, said: "Attracting new investment and economic prosperity, encouraging the re-letting of vacant shop units and enlivening Sidcup High Street are the key objectives of this initiative.

"Attracting new retailers and restaurants, which have their own unique category in planning terms, is an important part of our strategy, to further raise the profile of Sidcup High Street as a shopping and dining destination.

"The Council is already engaging with existing and potential retail and business entrepreneurs, to maximise the opportunities this major investment programme gives us.

"With the arrival of Travelodge, we will continue to build a new sense of investor confidence.

"We all know that these are very difficult economic times for high streets and we need to do all we can, in partnership with the private sector, to create an offer that encourages people back to shop, trade, explore, learn, and dine in the town."