Campaigning residents have been praised after funding for a new footbridge over White Hart Lane level crossing in Barnes received the green light.

Councillors have agreed to invest up to £821,136 in the new footbridge in the next financial year, and the remainder of the project would be funded by Network Rail and Transport for London.

For many years the residents of Barnes and Mortlake have been petitioning for the installation of a footbridge at the level crossing.

The White Hart Lane level crossing is used by hundreds of children every day along with commuters travelling into central London.

A survey undertaken in May 2015 showed on average of more than 2,000 pedestrians used the level crossing per day.

This funding will provide an alternative route for pedestrians during times when the train barriers are down, improving safety for all pedestrians.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene and Air Quality said: “Local residents have campaigned for a footbridge for many years. It is a testament to their efforts that this bridge is not far away from becoming a reality.

“I am grateful to council colleagues and officers who have worked tirelessly to find the funding to make the bridge a reality. Without their dedication this project simply would not have happened.”

The funding was agreed at a Richmond council cabinet meeting last week.