WEEKS of unplanned closures of a key Thames crossing could soon be coming to a merciful end.

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment that has closed the stairs.

But in recent weeks, the alternative lifts have constantly broken down, putting the tunnel immediately out of action.

Greenwich Council, which operates the tunnel, has promised users the newly-refurbished stairs will open “within the next weeks”.

The council’s statement added: “Regrettably, the current lifts at the Greenwich tunnel have recently experienced a high frequency of breakdowns.

“Because the stairs are undergoing refurbishment, there is no alternative, when a lift breaks down, other than to close the tunnel until the lift can be repaired.

“Greenwich Council apologises for the inconvenience caused to users. We wish to stress that this is very much a temporary situation.”

The Greenwich tunnel, which connects the Isle of Dogs with Cutty Sark Gardens, closes 9pm to 6am according to the pre-arranged schedule.

“The closures are causing real inconvenience to foot tunnel users,” said Greenwich MP Nick Raynsford. “I am urging those responsible to improve the information made available to the public and accelerate the process to ensure the tunnels are fully accessible again as soon as possible.”

The tunnel is the only way in east London for cyclists to cross the Thames without hauling themselves up to Tower Bridge or on the Woolwich ferry, with bikes banned on the DLR.