A footbridge has been demolished as improvements in Thamesmead and Abbey Wood continue to progress.

The Harrow Manorway footbridge at the old library site was demolished on Saturday May 27 as the area is redeveloped for the arrival of the Elizabeth line.

Peabody is working with Bexley council to build around 1,500 new homes along Harrow Manorway through the Mayor of London’s Housing Zone programme.

A spokesman for the council said: “The bridge demolition will enable the improvements and new homes to be delivered and will be carried out by the Council’s contractor for highway works, F M Conway, on behalf of Peabody and with the cooperation of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

“From June until autumn 2018 major improvement works will take place on Harrow Manorway to upgrade the area between the flyover at Abbey Wood Station and Eastern Way.

“The aim of the improvement works is to transform the appearance and nature of this major route, making the street more attractive and enabling it to accommodate the expected changes in the area in the coming years which include the new homes in Southmere Village.”

The proposals for the area will also see a new library, commercial spaces and a lakeside square be built in time for the new line.

Abbey Wood, Thamesmead and Eltham were recently shown to be the three cheapest places to rent in London.

The average rent in Abbey Wood is the lowest of the three, at £506.

Transport for London are also pumping £1M into Abbey Wood in contribution to the works.

Sam Monck, Head of Borough Projects and Programmes at TfL, said: “We’re committed to making London’s streets more attractive, accessible and people-friendly and by working closely with Bexley and Greenwich Councils we’re about to see real improvements around Abbey Wood station and the Harrow Manorway flyover.

“This will include better walking and cycling access to the new station, improved lighting and more seating and trees, which will transform the area in time for the Elizabeth line launching in December 2018.”

The video has been supplied by Brian Barnett.