THE first phase of an access road in the Blackhorse Lane area was officially opened by the borough's Mayor.

Green Ferry Way in Walthamstow, is is described by the council as an important step in the regeneration of the wider Blackhorse Lane area.

It is the first phase of a new access road that will eventually connect Blackhorse Lane and Forest Road, avoiding the Royal Standard junction.

On Thursday, the Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Anna Mbachu, was joined by several cabinet members and councillors to officially open to the 80 metre stretch of road.

But the achievement has come under fire by Liberal Democratic councillor for William Morris Ward, Cllr Bob Wheatley, who says seven years of ‘masterplanning’ for Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, has resulted in just 80 metres of road.

Cllr Wheatley, who was at the opening of the the new road, said: “After years of Labour control of regeneration all we have to show is 80 metres of road and piles of masterplan documents.

“While neighbouring boroughs are striding ahead with building we’re still waiting for the 2,000 new homes, 1,000 new jobs, parks, roads, schools and community facilities, all promised by Labour as part of the comprehensive regeneration of this ward.

“It seems that Labour can only promise jam tomorrow and margarine today.”

Cllr Terry Wheeler, Waltham Forest's cabinet member for investment and enterprise, said: "Because of its young population, excellent transport links and unique location Blackhorse Lane has massive potential and is one of the borough's key regeneration areas.

"Over the next ten years our regeneration programme will provide over 2000 new homes and 1000 new jobs and this is another step towards this goal.

"This latest development will make the area safer for pedestrians and help ease traffic around the Royal Standard Junction in the long-term."