Watford MP hails ‘constructive’ talks with London mayor on Met Line Extension

Richard Harrington and South West Herts MP David Gauke met with Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Transport Val Shawcross, and Transport Commissioner Mike Brown on Thursday in an attempt to rescue the stricken project – currently £50 million short of its funding target.

• 'It might not happen' admits Watford MP Richard Harrington as Metropolitan Line Extension crunch talks with Sadiq Khan loom
• ‘Someone needs to pay the other £50m’: London Mayor Sadiq Khan won't budge on Met Line Extension funding

The proposed scheme will connect the Metropolitan Line in Croxley to several brand new stations across Watford, and was originally expected to cost around £284 million.

However this estimation has spiralled, with Transport for London (TfL) now quoting a delivery figure closer to £360 million.

Plans for the Metropolitan Line Extension continue to be amended despite the funding shortfall

At the meeting, unanimously portrayed as “constructive”, Mr Harrington reiterated the offer from the Department for Transport (DfT) to let TfL take over responsibility for the track on completion, which would generate additional funding for the project at no further cost to the public purse.

The two MPs will now work with the DfT and London’s Transport Commissioner to explore additional funding options, which could include contributions from developers who would benefit from the new line.

“I’m pleased that the London Mayor has recommitted to the project and shown willingness to work together on this,” said Mr Harrington.

“We had a constructive meeting and agreed a way forward. There’s a lot more work to be done but it’s clear that there is support on all sides to make sure this happens. I look forward to working with the London Mayor, and breaking ground on this.”

Mr Gauke added: “Our meeting was constructive and there is a willingness on all sides to find a way forward for the Metropolitan Line Extension. There is much work to be done but I was encouraged by our discussions.”

Last year, TfL took over the management of the project from Hertfordshire County Council, and begun design and utilities work.

A mayoral spokesperson said TfL “remains committed” to the £49 million it has already allocated to the project, adding: “While work remains to identify the remaining funding needed for the Metropolitan Line Extension, the mayor had a productive meeting with the local MPs, with a lot of agreement about how the project can proceed.”

All parties involved at the meeting reiterated their support for Hertfordshire County Council’s bid to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, and agreed a decision should be taken on the bid as soon as possible to ensure progress on the project continues.