Kingston Misses out on Crossrail

20.07.04

Local MP Edward Davey today slammed the Government for failing to incorporate the Kingston/Richmond branch of the proposed Crossrail route into the multibillion pound package promised by the Transport Secretary Alastair Darling.

Whilst Alastair Darling unveiled today that a £10 billion funded Crossrail will be part of the Government's transport policy for the next five years, he added that there was a "relatively weak case" for building the Kingston/Richmond branch and so this "limb" would not be built.

This has been met with dismay by Edward Davey MP, who commented

"This is a great blow for Kingston. Crossrail would have eased congestion and boosted business.

"Crossrail would have given us a direct rail link to Heathrow and Paddington and would have been invaluable for Kingston's retail industry and offices, never mind the university.

"This is typical of this Government's tendency to make grand promises and then not deliver. Time and time again they fail to appreciate how their decisions will affect people on the ground. After months of delay and debate they have let Kingston down again.

"The Government's decision not to bring Crossrail to Kingston will end up putting huge strain on Kingston's transport infrastructure, which is already under pressure, and deny the area a valuable economic opportunity. I feel this is a huge mistake."

Crossrail: www.crossrail.co.uk