Epsom town centre is set to become more pedestrian friendly after a major transport and public spaces scheme won £1.3 million.

Plan E, which was designed to shape the future of Epsom, has been awarded Government funding through the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

A project to revitalise Leatherhead town centre also received £62,500 as part of the funding round for 2015/16 - the sum will be match-funded by Mole Valley District Council.

An Epsom Council spokesman said the £1.3m award means work can start on the "major scheme for transport and public areas" within 18 months.

Under the plan two-way traffic will return to South Street and pedestrian improvements will be made to the Spread Eagle and Quadrant junctions.

The plan also includes improvements to the marketplace and shopping environment, new bus stops and layover bays, tree planting and landscaping.

The spokesman said: "It will help towards the improvements of Epsom town centre as the core of a thriving family friendly market town."

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, leader of the majority group in the council, described the A road through Epsom as one of the "biggest drawbacks" of living and working here.

He said the Plan E measures will make the town more pedestrian friendly and improve the traffic flow, adding: "Hopefully it will make Epsom a nicer place to come and shop and eat."

Funding has no yet been given for the Kiln Lane link project, which would create a crossing under the railway, but it remains part of the LEP’s strategic plan.

Coun Woodbridge said: "We hope that eventually we will get funding for Kiln Lane link. We live to fight another day on that one."

Over in Leatherhead, the funding will allow the council, together with residents and businesses, to develop detailed plans to transform the town centre.

Councillor Chris Townsend, leader of the council, said: "This is a most exciting opportunity for Leatherhead and even at this early stage, we have a lot of support from local residents and businesses.

"Today marks the beginning of a great adventure as we can now start to put our ‘vision’ for Leatherhead down on paper and begin the process of revitalising the town centre."