John Austin
MPs GET ASSURANCE OVER CROSSRAIL
Erith & Thamesmead’s MP, who represents Abbey Wood says he is delighted by the Government’s confirmation that the Crossrail link to Abbey Wood, with an intermediate station at Woolwich will go ahead on time. John Austin said: “This is great news. I am delighted. It had been rumoured that the southern spur to Abbey Wood might be delayed and its construction phased but I have received a letter from the Transport Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, confirming that the whole project will be taken forward as a single programme beginning in 2010. This is one of the largest transport investments ever and will bring real benefits to Greenwich and Bexley boroughs and greatly improve the regeneration and job prospects in our area.”
In a letter to John Austin, the Minister said: “I recognise the importance of the south-east section of the Crossrail route, and I can set your mind at rest with regard to this subject. The first Crossrail services are planned to come into operation during 2017. After that, we expect the full Crossrail service – including those services on the south-east section of the route to Abbey Wood – to be introduced on a phased basis over about 12 months. The start and subsequent build up of services will be phased in this way to allow for rolling stock and railway systems testing and to ensure reliable performance.”
John Austin’s colleague, Clive Efford (MP for Eltham) had also raised the issue with the Minister for Rail in a debate on 23 October. Despite previous reassurances, Clive Efford asked the Minister “Can he confirm that the full Crossrail service will include the south east extension and the station at Woolwich…it would be nice to have that on the record”. In reply the Minister said “He (Clive Efford) asked for reassurance on the south-east arm of Crossrail to Abbey Wood. He will have to learn to take yes for an answer”.
John Austin added a word of thanks to his colleague Alan Meale MP who had chaired the Crossrail Committee and had championed south-east London’s case.
And if two Ministers weren’t enough, John Austin received further confirmation of the link when he invited the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP to speak at an Erith & Thamesmead Labour Party event on Monday night. As Treasury Minister, Andy Burnham had been involved in the financial negotiations over the £16 billion funding deal.
