Millions of pounds are set to be spent on the re-opening of Lea Bridge Station, after it was agreed yesterday that construction should begin this year.

The station, which closed in 1985, could now re-open next year although it was warned that the cost will be ‘substantially’ more than the council first envisaged.

During a meeting of the council’s cabinet, Councillor Clyde Loakes spoke about the ‘ongoing saga’ that has seen councillors, campaigners and residents fighting for improved links to Stratford from Walthamstow.

He added that it has always been a top priority for the council in order to regenerate the area around the station, but claimed there has been a ‘long struggle’ with both Network Rail and central government showing disinterest in the project.

Cllr Loakes also admitted that the project will take longer than envisaged and will also cost more due to the discovery of Japanese Knotweed and requirements for modernisation.

The station which will connect to Stratford in the south and Tottenham in the north in five minutes is scheduled to open in late 2015.

Cabinet members agreed to spend £2m from the council’s capital programme, and a further £3m through the advance funding of Community Infrastructure Levy receipts, to support the cost.

Funding has also been secured from external sources including the Stratford City Development and the Department of Transports New Stations Fund.

It is hoped that trade will be boosted by the new link.

Campaigners have long argued for the reopening of the station, which closed in 1985, claiming a rail link with Stratford could help revitalise the area's economy and speed up journey times for commuters in the borough.

The total cost of the project has not been revealed.