This £1.5m investment connects a break in the Thames Path at Charlton which has, until now, meant cyclists and walkers were diverted inland onto the busy Woolwich Road.

Denise Scott McDonald, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Public Realm and Transport, was joined by Will Norman, the Mayor of London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, for the official opening.

They were joined by local people walking and cycling, all celebrating being the first people to use the new connection.

Royal Greenwich has the longest continuous waterfront of any London borough and the Thames Path runs alongside Royal Greenwich's Riverside and is traffic free for large parts.

Royal Greenwich runs eight miles along the Thames, stretching from the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, past The O2 Arena, through employment heartlands and the Thames Barrier to the metropolitan centre of Woolwich and out to Thamesmead.

The small sections of the Thames Path at Charlton were known locally as the 'Missing Link'.

The new connection will be open seven days a week from 6am to 9pm.

After a trial period, Royal Greenwich will be examining the possibility of allowing 24-hour access to the new connection.

About the project

The project involves securing and upgrading a safe route through the Westminster Industrial Estate and construction of a ramp to the Thames Path and an elevated structure that sits atop the River Wall (and cantilevers over the River) linking King Henry's Wharf to Warspite Road.

The project was funded by the Mayor of London, Transport for London and Royal Borough of Greenwich.

'This removes the last permanent barrier to walkers and cyclists'

Cllr Scott McDonald said: "This is a project that I know is close to the hearts of many cyclists, walkers, commuters and residents in Royal Greenwich and I am pleased to be here today to see the delivery on this investment.

"This removes the last permanent barrier to walkers and cyclists travelling all along the Borough - from Thamesmead to Greenwich - on the Thames Path without any in-land detour."

'Delighted that this section of the Thames Path is now open'

Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: "I'm delighted that this section of the Thames Path is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy, making it safer and more appealing to walk or cycle, whether you're commuting or it's just for fun.

"Unlocking routes like these is a key part of the Mayor of London's transport strategy which aims to enable more people to walk and cycle."