Tube extension given go ahead

2:59pm Wednesday 10th October 2001

Plans to extend the East London Line were given the green light on Tuesday, October 9 edging Croydon closer to being part of the London tube network.

Transport secretary Stephen Byers approved planning consent for the southern extension of the East London Line.

The news has been welcomed by the project's developers, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), Transport for London (TfL) and London Underground.

The first of four phases is planned to start early in December and by 2006 it could be possible to travel by the same train from Whitechapel to Croydon.

Although the final details have not yet been fully defined, West Croydon is one of the destinations planned for the southern extension.

Croydon Council's leader, Councillor Hugh Malyan, said the announcement is the final stage in making Croydon the “regional hub” of a fully integrated public transport network.

He added: “It will be a boost for the area around West Croydon and the spur to Crystal Palace will be extremely helpful in our joint ambitions with Bromley to restore the national stadium for major international championships.”

Jan Grasty, chief executive of Croydon Marketing and Development anticipates an influx of interest in the town.

She said: “Croydon will have unrivalled transport links. We expect the announcement to spark even more interest and investment in the town.”

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