Millions of pounds has been awarded by the government towards projects aimed at improving Dagenham town centre.

Barking and Dagenham Council has been awarded £10.8 million from the government’s £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and the money will be spent across two schemes called Up the Heathway.

According to the government’s Levelling Up website, the cash will “help one of England’s most deprived town centres face the challenges of the future.”

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The projects include 316 new homes, which will “protect 241 jobs”, and revamping the “public realm to rejuvenate business and pedestrian usage”.

The website said: “LUF will support an integrated package of two projects which will (a) deliver a strategic development designed to transform residents' life experience, (b) remodel public realm to rejuvenate business and pedestrian usage.

"The projects will deliver 316 new homes, safeguard 241 jobs, reduce crime, making the Heathway an exemplar for green and inclusive growth."

A council spokesperson said the funding would go towards facilitating the schemes.

More information about both projects will be released in due course, the LUF website added.