Tonge Fights Threat To District Line

4.21.26pm GMT Wed 15th Oct 2003

Dr Jenny Tonge, MP for Richmond Park, is seeking an urgent meeting with Norman Haste, Chairman of Crossrail, to discuss growing disquiet over a possible threat to the District Line.

Dr Tonge said: "Many people have contacted me since I first alerted my constituents to the possibility that we might lose the District Line if Crossrail goes ahead."

"They are absolutely appalled at the prospect and I have promised to do everything within my power to prevent it. To do them justice, Crossrail are aware of the strength of feeling and they have given me an undertaking that they will carry out a full consultation before coming to any decision."

"The trouble is, after the T5 enquiry and the disgraceful action of the Government over night flights into Heathrow, people just don't believe they are being listened to any more."

"That's why Susan Kramer and I are going to see Norman Haste to make sure he is left in absolutely no doubt about the strength of people's feelings."

Susan Kramer, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Richmond Park

Susan Kramer, Board Member of Transport for London and Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Richmond Park, said: "If bringing Crossrail to Richmond means losing the District Line, then we don't want Crossrail."