Jenny Tonge MP has warmly welcomed the declaration of support by the Government for the Crossrail scheme

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2003

Jenny Tonge MP for Richmond Park

"Crossrail will provide a valuable link between East and West London, which could see up to 12 trains an hour serving Richmond, four of which would go to Kingston, or possibly even Norbiton subject to consultation."

"I am delighted that the Government has finally realised that this scheme should get the go ahead. It will bring considerable economic benefit to both East and West London, although it is a shame that it is unlikely to be ready for the Olympics."

"Currently there are a number of different service options to Richmond and Kingston under discussion including a tunnelled route and a surface route. Under the original proposals for the tunnelled route, all District Line services to Richmond would have been suspended with customers having to change to the district line at Chiswick Park."

"This option has proved to be deeply unpopular and the Crossrail team are now looking at alternatives, including keeping the District Line to Richmond but stopping the North London Line at Gunnersbury subject to station improvements. However I will continue to campaign to ensure that District Line services to Richmond will not be suspended."

"Anyone concerned about what route Crossrail will take, and how it could effect District and North London Line Services should look at the website www.crossrail.co.uk"

For more information contact

Serena Hennessy on 020 8332 7919