Councillors have unanimously approved a plan to revamp the riverfront at Erith which could see a market square introduced at the entrance to London’s longest pier.

Bexley’s planning board unanimously approved the plans for Pier Square, which will see a major landscaping project with new seating, plants, and a children’s play area added, as well as space for events such as markets.

And while councillors were glowing in their praise for the move, some concerns did remain over anti-social behaviour at the site.

Ward member Nicola Taylor said she hoped bringing the area back into use would solve the issue.

“It’ll provide a much-needed focal point for Erith. The idea of a market square is something people have talked about for a long time to bring back to Erith…I do echo concerns about anti-social behaviour but I’m hoping as the area is made more pleasant, more people will use that area and this will discourage anti-social behaviour,” Cllr Taylor said.

Councillors had earlier heard from a resident living in Wharfside Close, who feared the loss of several car park spaces, as well as increased car park traffic from vehicles setting up events, could be dangerous for pedestrians.

Cllr Taylor raised the prospect of signage or bollards being used to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Other councillors added their thoughts to the plans.

Cllr Linda Bailey said the move would “bring a bit of life back to that really dull area there”.

Cllr June Slaughter said the the proposals will “vastly improve the area” but acknowledged her “only light anxiety is the lovely open areas for children playing will be taken over by youngsters of an older age who will skateboard

and cycle and whatnot and put other users off”.

“I suppose that’s something we will have to rely on the community police team to do something about,” she finished.