CHANGES are in store for Kew as work commences on a plaza scheme in North Road which is being introduced in a bid to enhance the area and welcome visitors.

The work began last Monday and residents will have already noticed a change to the footbridge at Kew Gardens Station which has been painted and had lights installed.

The project has been financed by money raised from a Nike run last year and cash donated from Richmond upon Thames Council.

It has been made possible thanks to the hard work from of Kew Society, architect Norman Edwards, local councillors and the Kew Residents Association.

The design will include a paved pedestrian area, information boards, loading bays, cycle stands, some planting and new street lighting.

Christine Reay, chair of the Nike Committee, said: "This is a community project involving a number of people. We are acting in consort with the council because if it was not for them we would not have got a huge amount of money that was required to turn what was a vision into reality.

"It is a very happy event for Kew and I have received a letter of thank you from residents in North Road for all the hard work that is involved."

The scheme is supported by residents and businesses in North Road and there is even talk of a stage two.

Daniel Slack of Tripped Limited and Mananga Plants Limited, said: "I am pleased the scheme is going ahead and hope it will be the first part of a larger scheme to regenerate the North Road side of the station.

"Several neighbours and myself have put forward proposals for stage two of the scheme which would include a statue of Sir Joseph Hooker, the first director of Kew and an extension of the development to include the nearby parade of shops."

Kew councillor Serge Lourie, leader of the borough Lib Dems has been involved with the project from the start. He said: "I am very excited by the plaza which will provide a proper welcome for visitors to the major attractions in Kew - The National Archives and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

"It will also make things much better for local residents."

Trevor Pugh, director of environment at Richmond council, said: "We are really pleased this project is going ahead because this is such a key gateway to the borough. Now it is a bit of a drab welcome and this will give it a good lift."

The work is expected to be competed by the middle of May.