Newham and Greenwich Councils have reached a deal to fix the tunnel after a two year stalemate, reports Rebekah Samuel

Following a two-year stalemate, Newham and Greenwich Councils have reached a deal to repair the foot tunnel linking North Woolwich to Old Woolwich in Greenwich.

The lifts, out of service since August 2022, have particularly impacted vulnerable groups like the elderly, those with mobility and disabilities issues, and parents with young children.

Andrew Woollard, Senior Communications Lead at Newham Council explained the delay was due to “funding being approved. Decisions were made taking into consideration the needs of all residents.” Mr Woollard added that by “by working collaboratively with the Royal Borough of Greenwich” they were finally able to resolve the stalemate situation.

A Council spokesperson from the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “Following a productive meeting with colleagues from Newham Council on 31 July, we have reached an agreement to share costs. We are hoping to complete the works by January 2025.”

Newham residents continue to face disruption as Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge lifts, providing a route between Excel (near Custom House DLR station) to Britannia Village, Silvertown E16, have remained out of service since before COVID. reached understands that, although the Royal Docks Management Authority are responsible for management of the footbridge, the repairs to the lifts fall under the responsibility of Lendlease the developer. We are still awaiting comments from Lendlease.

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