Crunch talks to discuss the future of the Metropolitan Line Extension have been arranged between the Mayor of London and Watford’s MP.

Richard Harrington, along with fellow Conservative MP David Gauke, who represents South West Herts, will meet with Sadiq Khan in October to propose an idea which could ensure the line does indeed go ahead.

Mr Harrington will suggest that Transport for London (TfL) takes over management of the track from Network Rail.

This, he says, would guarantee significant funding for the project by generating private investment, while also saving taxpayer money.

The project, which looks to connect the Metropolitan Line in Croxley to several new stations across Watford, was originally costed at £284 million.

However the cost has spiralled, with TfL now quoting a figure closer to £360 million.

TfL refuses to bridge the funding gap and is asking its partners, which include the Department for Transport (DfT), Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Watford Borough Council, to meet the deficit.

Mr Harrington said: “I just want the London mayor to get on with the job of delivering the project and TfL taking over responsibility of the track is a clear practical solution. This will generate significant investment in the project, at no further cost to the public purse.

“I see no reason why the London mayor would not agree to this as he only recently published a report supporting more private investment in the railways.

“I have raised this with Chris Grayling MP and he thinks it’s a great idea. I look forward to discussing this with Mayor Sadiq Khan in October and finally moving forward with the project.”