LONG-DELAYED work on the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels is now progressing well, a community group says.

The tunnels' friends group visited the sites to see the refurbishment works at first hand.

Francis Sedgemore from the group said: "One point highlighted during the Greenwich tour is the environmental sensitivity of power electronics in comparison with the electro-mechanical switches used in the original Victorian era tunnel lifts.

"Modern electronic switching systems are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, and refuse to cooperate unless the conditions are just right. This could explain at least some of the lift failures experienced in recent times."

He added: "Going by what we have observed both within the tunnels and behind the scenes, we have greater confidence in the new contractors retained by Greenwich Council, and trust that the work will be completed on time and to budget."

A public meeting by the group will be held tomorrow (Jan 23) at the West Greenwich Community and Arts Centre, Greenwich High Road, beginning at 7.30pm

Work is due to finish by the end of April.