A major project to regenerate a "forgotten green space" has secured £105,000 funding after a public vote.

The ‘Riding the Roding’ project has been awarded £105,000 funding from the Mayor of London’s Big Green Fund, which has spent £900,000 on seven projects across the capital.

The successful bid will mean the creation of a new riverside cycle path between Wanstead Park Recreation Ground and Redbridge Roundabout.

It will connect the already completed south and north sections of the Roding Valley Way greenway, making cycling and walking possible from Newham, through Redbridge and into Essex following the River Roding.

The Coronation footbridge, the main access point into Wanstead Park over the River Roding for residents living the other side of the A406, will also be repaired and reopened. 

The bridge, first opened in 1902, had been closed in early 2013 after an inspection found it was unsafe.

The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group said it was “excited” by the plans, which it said would help wildlife thrive by slowing the river's flow.

Chair of the group, Tim Harris, said otters, water voles and water shrews could soon be seen regularly in this stretch of river.

Cllr Wes Streeting, Redbridge cabinet member for health, said: “I’m delighted that we have been successful in our bid for funding and I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to vote for the project.  

“Your votes mean that this incredibly worthwhile scheme can now become a reality and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the area and the increased accessibility it will give to people who want to enjoy one of the many excellent outdoor spaces in Redbridge.”