Case for South West London rail link made to CrossRail boss

12.00.00am GMT Wed 15th Jan 2003

Lynne Featherstone has met CrossRail boss Sir Christopher Benson to press the case for CrossRail 2 as a way of easing problems with the troubled District Line into Richmond.

Ms Featherstone, who is Vice Chair of the London Assembly's Transport Policy Committee, sought assurances from Sir Christopher that a high priority would be given to building a high-speed rail link from South West London into the centre.

Sir Christopher Benson, Chair of the CrossRail joint venture company set up Transport for London and the Strategic Rail Authority, said CrossRail 2 offered hope of alleviating District Line problems. He had been asked by a number of groups to evaluate proposals.

Sally Hamwee, Lib Dem Assembly member who lives in Richmond, commented:"Liberal Democrats will keep pressing for improvements to rail links between Richmond and central London. CrossRail 2 could be a real benefit but it seems design work is already a year behindhand."

"We need to see some actual delivery instead of the Government's endless promises."