A new major bus route through Mitcham town centre has now opened.

Rediscover Mitcham, which started back in 2014, is a £6.2m Merton Council project designed to improve the area.

The completion of the new London Road Bus street marks another major milestone in the project's progress.

Plans for the bus street had been particularly contentious during the consultation period, as residents believed the 6.5 metre bus lane would "destroy the heart" of the Fair Green area.

As a result of the streets construction, the clock tower had to be repositioned to the east side of the green. Mitcham’s restored Grade-II listed clock tower was unveiled in November 2015.

Transport for London (TfL) and London Buses are now running buses along the new bus street and only local buses and cycles will be able to use it.

Details of the new routes will be displayed at all bus stops affected by the new changes. Information is also available on TfL’s website.

Cllr Martin Whelton, Merton Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration, Environment and Housing, said: “The new bus route is an integral part of the improvements we’re making to Mitcham town centre and is the final phase of the works on the Fair Green.

“Introducing the dedicated bus street will bring people directly into the shopping area of the town, which is better for both retailers and their customers.

“We can all be proud of Mitcham, its smart market stalls, convenient shopping and the beautiful Fair Green with the restored Victorian clock tower and landscaped gardens.”

Construction work on Phase 5 of the project at the signalised junction with Holborn Way and Western Road/Raleigh Gardens is now underway as the last phase of construction until December. Minor touches and full completion will be carried out in January 2018.