THE Docklands Light Railway is proving a key factor in making life better for North Woolwich residents according to a new report compiled by Social Research Associates Ltd, the second to look at DLR impact in the area.

It found that 90 per cent of locals believe that two years of the DLR London City Extension has improved access to jobs, shopping and central London and has attracted new people to move into the area.

Respondents to the survey gave examples of people getting better jobs or carrying on to higher education because of better transport access, and 53 per cent felt that the area generally was improving or will improve. Some cited the DLR as a key factor in their decision to move into the area, in stark contrast to the first report of 2006, which found residents had little confidence and low expectations within their community.

DLR director Jonathan Fox said: “ We promised local people that DLR would deliver direct benefits to them, and they are now seeing improvement and regeneration set to become more pronounced with completion of our King George V station to Woolwich Arsenal extension under the Thames early next year.

“Our current £300 million three-car upgrade programme across the network will deliver an even more reliable service and greater capacity.”

Local residents can access the DLR extension at West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock , London City Airport and King George V station. A third extension currently under construction will provide a direct link to Stratford International in 2010.

DLR recorded 66.6 million passenger journeys in the year to last March and a 29 per cent increase in revenue to £61.1 million. Transport for London subsidy reduced by 16.7 per cent to £48 million during the same period.