The value of Orbital Railway will be judged by Labour - Pope

5.28.00pm GMT Tue 11th Mar 2008

Liberal Democrat Geoff Pope convinced all members of the London Assembly Transport Committee to write to the Secretary of State for Transport this week, to show support for the final stage of London's Orbital Railway.

The Government is soon to make a decision whether to fund this route across South London to Clapham Junction, at an estimated cost of £100 million.

Work to link up the North London Line and East London Line has recently begun, but the East London Line Phase 2, has never been funded.

Speaking about the Orbital Railway, Transport Spokesman for the London Assembly Liberal Democrats, Geoff Pope said:

"A complete Orbital Railway with new trains will reduce the congestion in central London Tube stations and encourage more people out of their cars. This route will also provide an alternative for the London Bridge to Victoria line, a route under threat during Thameslink construction works.

"I am delighted that we could achieve cross-party consensus on the importance of completing the East London Line. I hope that Ruth Kelly will appreciate the value of this development as well."

ENDS