MEMBERS of Friends of the Earth have blasted the Government for "refusing" to fund a project to extend the London Underground tube system to Watford Junction Station.

The campaign group says this is the second year the Department of Transport Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) has jeopardised the Croxley Rail Link project - a joint venture between the Government, Hertfordshire County Council and London Underground Limited (LUL).

Friends of the Earth say the announcement was made at the annual Local Transport Plan Settlement held on Thursday, December 13. But the DTLR said it welcomed the Croxley Green Rail Link project, and was waiting for more information from London Underground.

Frustrated by yet another hiccup in the project's progress, a Watford Friends of the Earth spokesman said: "It seems as if the Government is making excuses."

She said: "We are disappointed that the Government seems to find billions of pounds for the West Coast main line but can not find the money for medium-sized schemes like Croxley which represent good value for money.

"The Government has let the people of Watford down by refusing to support the Croxley Rail Link.

"The people who are elected to represent the interests of Watford, especially our MP, need to explain why they were unable to convince the Government how important it is for the town.

"By bringing underground trains to Watford Junction a whole range of journeys become easier by public transport. The Hertfordshire County Council's own figures show it would reduce traffic in the area by at least ten per cent."

She said the Croxley Rail Link was essential to the economic regeneration of West Watford. And added that on one hand the Government was supporting the area financially with the Single Regeneration Budget and with the other it was refusing to improve public transport which was vital to the regeneration scheme's success.

In defence Watford MP Claire Ward said the Secretary of State, Mr Stephen Byers, had not "closed the door" on the Croxley Green Rail Link, but was waiting for information.

She said: "I am still absolutely committed to the Croxley Rail Link and have been so for a number of years. It will be a great investment to the Government and a real benefit to Watford in assisting to relieve the traffic problems

Ms Ward said: "I am currently enquiring what information is needed although I am led to believe its due to discussions with London Underground which is involved with the project."

Hertfordshire County Council echoed Ms Ward. A council spokesman said: "It is not true that the Government has refused to allocate funds. It has classified the scheme as 'working in progress' and we are now waiting to hear from London Underground as to whether it is committed to the scheme. Then the Council can get back to the DTLR."

She said a meeting was going be held between Hertfordshire County Council the Government, and London Underground, on Friday, January 11.

December 20, 2001 16:30