Watford’s MP has today claimed that Transport for London is taking over management of a £200 million rail project in Watford.

Hertfordshire County Council's Cabinet will receive a report on Monday, February 23 and this will detail how the Croxley Rail Link will be delivered.

Politicians will then be asked to approve the council’s financial contribution to the project.

Under the authority’s preferred model, it will be responsible for the delivery of the civil engineering elements of the scheme and this includes the design, land assembly and utility diversions, at a cost of £99.5m.

But Mr Harrington has today said: “I have been told clearly that TFL is taking full management responsibility for this project.

“I have had further meetings arranged with the Department for Transport and others to discuss everything in more detail and ensure everything moves ahead.

“You cannot have three managers for one project, with Transport for London, Hertfordshire County Council and Watford Borough Council.

“Transport for London has accepted that responsibility to be lead manager.

“I have attended a lot of high level meetings about the Croxley Rail Link and originally, it was promoted by Hertfordshire County Council, but it is an integral part of the London Underground system.

“It seemed right that TFL should accept the lead management role.”

However, the Tory MP has reiterated he is unsure when the rail provider will be taking over the project, but they are "in the process now".

On Friday, Ana Vaughan, representative for Hertfordshire County Council, said: “At the time of drafting the Cabinet report, it is understood that London Underground Limited has a preference to take on overall responsibility for the entire scheme, both the civil engineering elements and the rail build, on the basis that a ‘split’ of contracts would introduce a further interface and potentially increase the level of risk.

In December, London Underground said the government had asked it to take on an “enhanced role” in delivering the project after the estimated cost rose by £110 million.

The Croxley Rail Link is now expected to cost £230 million and the county council said "minimal work" would be needed to run services from Watford to Amersham.

Hertfordshire County Council and London Underground have been in discussions over who will be responsible for specific aspects of the project.