Rainham is set to be given a huge boost after Boris Johnson has invested more than �2.7 million in regeneration projects in the area.

The Mayor of London announced this week that the area will be getting the funding as part of his Outer London Fund.

Havering cabinet Member with special responsibilty for Rainham, Cllr Michael Armstrong said: “This announcement is great news for traders and residents for Rainham.

“We want to create a thriving community in the heart of the village and this money will help support that by helping us to improve the public space and restore some of the shops.”

The funds will be used to improve the heritage and environmental assets in the area to help attract more visiters.

Rainham Public Station Forecourt will also be given a facelift and Rainham Library will be upgraded to enable a business suite and access to Creek Park improved.

A programme of events for the area will also receive funding so that residents and visitors can enjoy celebrations around the Queen’s Jubillee and the 2012 Games.

Havering Council’s Group Director for Culture and Community, Cynthia Griffin said: “Rainham village is at the heart of our plans to improve the whole area for local people and this year will see many projects come to fruitiion as we open new classrooms at the primary school, start work on improving the road layout and shopper’s parking in the village.”

Havering is one of 17 boroughs to receive the funding to ‘deliver a much needed shot in the arm to areas struggling during the downturn’.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “London is the motor of the UK economy and prosperous local high streets are the collective beating heart.

“2012 is set to be a great year in the capital and I am in no doubt that London will emerge strongly from the economic downtrun but we must keep investing in our many high streets and town centres to address the history neglect of these areas by others.”