South west Herts MP David Gauke has called for a direct tube link between Watford and Amersham.

The Government minister claims that if a direct link was installed between the Amersham Branch of the Metropolitan Line and Watford, travel times between Croxley and Rickmansworth would be as low as three minutes.

A petition has been set up for the plans and will be presented to London Underground.

The petition says: "We believe that, on the completion of the Croxley Rail Link, London Underground should provide an Amersham/Chesham to Watford branch, enabling passengers to travel from one branch to another without needing to change at Moor Park."

David Gauke MP said: "There is a lot of demand for example, children attending the Watford Grammar Schools.

"I met with one girl who said she was excited at being to visit the Harlequin Centre more. I have heard people say they would go and watch Watford more often if they had a direct train.

"The more people who the sign the petition and make the case, the easier it is for me to make the case to London Underground.

When asked how much the project would cost, the financial secretary to the treasury told the Watford Obsever: "There is very little by the way of infrastructure, but because I am a treasury minister, I am very conscious of cost, so that is a fair question, but I would have thought this should be something that should be in sufficient demand and I do not think it would be a lot in upfront costs as the track is there and ready to be used."

The Tory minister revealed the idea had been met with an encouraging response by Mike Brown, Managing Director of London Underground.

This petition comes after it emerged that construction on the Croxley Rail Link could now begin in early 2015.

Building work had been due to start this year, but Terry Douris, cabinet member for Highways, insisted plans were in place in case the proposed start date changed.

He said: "Along with our partners, we are working very hard to deliver this important project which will have so many benefits for the area. 

"The final bid for funding approval for the project will be sent to the Department for Transport in the next few weeks. If they give approval, construction should start in early 2015. 

"We had originally hoped to start construction work at the end of 2014. A major railway project of this scale involves detailed negotiations, so proposed start dates are always subject to change. 

"We have, with our partners, allowed for this in our plans for the scheme and we will let residents know once we have a definite date." 

David Gauke MP’s petition can be viewed here:  http://www.davidgauke.com/croxleyraillink