Ambitious plans to bring the tube to Streatham have taken a step closer to reality.

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it is considering a southward extension of the Bakerloo underground line to the area.

The line would go via Camberwell and Herne Hill from its current finishing point at Elephant and Castle station, before ending up in Streatham.

Campaigners consider TfL's decision to start preliminary investigations into the new route a breakthrough. Previously TfL was only looking at a single route to Bromley via Lewisham.

Chuka Umunna, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Streatham, who has spearheaded the campaign, said: "I am delighted that TfL is now considering a tube extension to Streatham. It is testament to the depth of feeling here in Streatham and the fact that so many local residents have got behind our campaign."

He said thousands of signatures were needed on an online petition to turn the plans - one of three options being considered by TfL - into a reality.

He said: “It is important that we continue to make the case for Streatham as TfL begins its investigation. The more local people who get behind bringing the tube here, the more chance it has of becoming a reality."

The Bakerloo line is considered the best option for bringing the London Underground to Streatham because of capacity constraints on the Victoria and Northern lines, but no extension is likely to be built until at least 2025.

To sign the petition visit gopetition.com/petitions/bring-the-tube-to-streatham.html