Politicians are engaged in last-minute lobbying as a decision on the long-awaited Croxley Rail Link draws nearer.

Members of Hertfordshire County Council’s executive committee this week agreed to enter a final plea to the Secretary of State for Transport, calling on the government department to provide funding for the development.

A verdict on the £119million project is expected in the coming fortnight, with the county authority’s bid forming part of last-ditch efforts by politicians to give the application every chance of success.

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “It is about putting pressure on the relevant authorities. We’re all doing our bit, myself and the MP included. We’re all pulling our particular strings to try and make sure we get the bid.

“We’re feeling mildly anxious - if you were to put your hat on it you would say we should get it but we will all be gutted if it is not given permission.

“It really depends how many projects the Treasury is willing to fund. We’re on the list and it is just a case of waiting now.”

The large-scale development has been backed by senior politicians, including Watford’s MP Richard Harrington, as well as members of the town’s chamber of commerce.

Architectural designs unveiled last month revealed the enormous scale of the transport project.

Most strikingly, a huge viaduct and embankment would be built linking Croxley Station on the Metropolitan Line with a currently disused track between Croxley Green and Watford High Street overground station.

New destinations at Ascot Road and Watford General Hospital would also be built allowing commuters to travel on the Met Line between Watford Junction railway station and Croxley Green.

If the plans are given the go-ahead, Watford Council is expected to contribute in the region of £1.25million in section 106 money, cash paid to the authority by developers of building projects in the borough.