A Croydon MP is calling for greater investment in the borough's transport network in order to boost its retail and business potential.

Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway, is backing a campaign by London Chamber of Commerce calling on Chancellor George Osborne to protect transport spending ahead of this month's spending review.

The Conservative MP has signed the Chamber's petition and will be writing personally to Mr Osborne highlighting the campaign.

Mr Ottoway said that with £1bn redevelopment of the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres in the pipeline, Croydon has the potential to become one of London's major shopping hubs - and needed the infrastructure to cope.

He said: "Much of the future growth in Croydon must be driven by investment in transport infrastructure. It would be wrong to put that at risk.

"Croydon is a real point of attraction for people across the city as a premier retail and business centre and it’s set to grow even bigger and better with the exciting new Westfield and Hammerson shopping centre redevelopment.

"It is therefore absolutely crucial to have excellent transport infrastructure in place to help people get to Croydon – we need to lay the groundwork now to ensure the success of what’s coming in the future."

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "Croydon businesses are crying out for increased investment in infrastructure that will bring growth and opportunities. "We’ve highlighted projects over the last year such as extensions to the Croydon Tramlink that will help achieve this.

"We need to act now to ensure that London maintains its place as a competitive global player and so we welcome Richard’s support on this important project."

For more information on the campaign visit londonchamber.co.uk/growlondon