Plans to build a new bus lane through the middle of Mitcham town centre suffered a setback last week after they were criticised by councillors.

Merton Council's cabinet was advised against building a bus lane in Fair Green, the pedestrianised area, in 2015 by the council's Street Management Advisory Committee (SMAC) on Wednesday, January 30.

The plans have been envisaged as part of the Rediscover Mitcham project which seeks to boost the area’s ailing economy by investing up to £6.2m in the area.

While members of the SMAC voted in favour of the overall plans of the Rediscover project, plans to introduce the bus lane were opposed.

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, will now have to consider the committee's feedback in deciding whether to push forward with the proposal.

He said: "We will be making a decision over the next few days.

"The report that went to the Street Management Advisory Committee was strong, with good recommendations.

"Everything that has been said in response to the consultation and at the committee meeting will be taken into account.

"Our priority is to ensure residents can get into Mitcham town centre easily and that Mitcham becomes a vibrant and prosperous town centre."