Crossrail Proceeds Without Richmond-Kingston - Local Rail Improvements Must Be Made A Priority

3.33.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Jul 2004

Proposed Crossrail map - full route

Alistair Darling's confirmation today that Crossrail will proceed but without the Richmond - Kingston branch must be followed by a new focus on improving rail services to meet the transport needs of this area.Susan Kramer, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats (Richmond Park) said: "Local residents will be relieved just to have a decision at last, from Government, on the future of Crossrail in Richmond and Kingston. It is clear that this route was not a serious contender from the outset but it has had a real knock on effect.

"Kingston people were given false hope of improved transport while Richmond people faced the unnecessary worry of potential blight and loss of the District Line.

"For everyone's sake the announcement should be made officially, clearly and unambiguously not just in indirect statements and informal comments as it has to date.

"But rail transport in this area remains dismal both on SW trains, the North London Line and the District Line. A comprehensive upgrade should now be an urgent priority. Darling's Department for Transport must give a commitment to improve this underserved and overcrowded part of the rail network or give the power and funding to Transport for London to achieve the same goal.

"Future services should be designed around the travel needs of local people not proposed as an afterthought add-on to a central London project.

"As for the main Crossrail project, I wish it well. Every part of London benefits if we can get efficient transport in the centre of out great city."