A bus service is set to be extended after the public supported easier access to leisure facilities.

From January next year, the 462 service will stop at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre in Barkingside, and Fairlop Station.

It currently runs from Ilford to Hainault, through Clayhall and Barkingside.

In February and March this year, Transport for London (TfL) consulted residents on extending the 462 route so it could serve Forest Road, Barkingside.

There were 550 responses to the consultation with 77 per cent supporting or partially supporting the changes.

TfL plans to change the route from January 9, 2016, subject to the completion of the new bus stops in Forest Road and Elmbridge Road.

It will be available every 15 minutes during the day Monday to Saturday and every 30 minutes each evening and Sundays.

The changes will mean easier access to leisure facilities in Forest Road and a direct bus link to Fairlop Station.

Journey times between Fullwell Cross and Hainault will be reduced, although it will take longer to travel between Fullwell Cross and Grange Hill and the Limes Farm Estate.

Following the changes, the 462 will no longer serve Fencepiece Road between Fullwell Cross and Limes Avenue.

Passengers will still be able to use route 167 to travel along this section of Fencepiece Road, as well as routes 150 and 247 between Fullwell Cross and New North Road.

Cllr Baldesh Nijjar, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the results of the consultation and that a change of route will take place next year.

“This is something the council has been campaigning for and we’re delighted that TfL have taken the time to conduct a consultation and agreed to a change of route.”