Crossrail: Consultation Is The Key

1.20.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Oct 2003

Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, called for full consultation over plans for Crossrail which could threaten the District Line service to Kew Gardens and Richmond.

Dr Tonge was speaking in an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on Monday, October 20th, called by Dr Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham on the Crossrail plans.

Dr Tonge told Dr Cable: "The Honourable Member will know that whilst there are huge benefits to be gained all over London from Crossrail and my constituents in Kingston and Richmond will have much improved access to the City, Central London and Heathrow, there is nevertheless great concern that the District Line will be lost after Turnham Green."

"Does he agree that one of the most essential things in this project is to consultation to get the views of all the people affected by the changes before it goes ahead?" Dr Cable agreed that full consultation was essential."

Both MPs are members of the newly-formed All Party Group on Crossrail chaired by Linda Perham, Labour MP for Ilford North.

For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071, Vince Cable on 020 7219 5746 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919

Notes for Editors: For details of Crossrail proposals: www.crossrail.co.uk