A new zero-emissions delivery service is coming to Croydon as part of a project to purify the air around London Road.

Love London Road, Love Clean Air is the name of the new campaign which sees Croydon Council working to improve air quality in the borough.

The aim is to transform the area between West Croydon Station and Thornton Heath Pond into a flourishing and healthier high street.

“We are always looking for new ways to tackle the climate and ecological emergency we face and this scheme will create a zero-emission delivery hub that we expect to help improve air quality in the area,” said Cllr Stuart King, cabinet lead for environment and transport.

“London Road is already a fantastic community hub and I’m looking forward to seeing it transform into a healthier high street for residents and businesses to enjoy,” he added.

The project for the Low Emission Neighbourhood includes new trees and hedges plus planters filled with lichens which will replace parking spaces to trap pollutants. Along with structural upgrades, the council says it is willing to help local businesses with small grants to make sustainable improvements.

The plan will see also the creation of an emissions-free delivery service, where local businesses will be able to use a zero-emissions vehicle to deliver their goods.

A more sustainable transport policy will also be encouraged, with bike storage areas installed or showers for employees who want to run to work.

The project funding of £695,000 includes £325,000 from the Greater London Authority.

The funding will support Croydon plans for three years, when the council has promised to regularly monitor air quality in the area to record improvements.