Rail link fight 'far from over' (From Watford Observer)

Croxley Rail Link fight 'far from over'

12:13pm Tuesday 8th February 2011 in News By Michael Pickard

The battle to win Government funding for the Croxley Rail Link is “far from over”, a Hertfordshire County Councillor has warned.

The Department of Transport last week shortlisted the project in its “development pool” and will now make a final decision in December this year.

The scheme will provide a link between the London Underground Metropolitan line and Watford Junction.

Councillor Ian Brandon (Green Party, Callowland Leggatts), said: “It's welcome that the Croxley Rail Link has been approved by the Government, despite their big slashes to public transport.

“However, this scheme still requires a lot of private funding, something still not certain especially in the economic climate.

“With the Watford Junction redevelopment not being approved because of the amount of private funding needed, it begs the question whether the Government really believes in public transport.”

Although the Croxley Rail Link application progressed, the Watford Junction Interchange redevelopment scheme was axed due to its reliance on private sector funding, which is not forthcoming in the current financial environment.

But Councillor Brandon has asked the Government to reconsider this decision.

“With the Abbey line moving to tram and it being able to be extended, plus the Croxley Rail link, Watford Junction is in desperate need of a revamp,” he said.

“I suggest the Government stops looking short term and starts looking at long term if it really believes in promoting Watford.”