London Banter - View Single Post - Decision on rail link due before Christmas

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On Nov 10, 5:26*pm, burkey wrote:
From eWatford Observer 10th November 2011
....................
Decision on rail link due before Christmas

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/new...on_rail_link_d...

The final decision on a rail project which will “change the face of
Watford and Croxley Green” is just four weeks away.

The Croxley Rail Link will connect the Metropolitan line in Croxley
Green to Watford Juction, bringing with it a regeneration scheme for
the west-end of the town.

Architectural plans given to the Watford Observer show how a colossal
rail bridge will run from Baldwins Lane in Croxley Green, past the
Harvester restaurant and over the dual carriageway.

The railway will run along Watford Road, the Grand Union canal, and
through west Watford, where two new stations will be built in Ascot
and Vicarage Roads.

Both MP for Watford Richard Harrington and mayor Dorothy Thornhill
have lobbied heavily for the £119.82 million project to go ahead.

Mr Harrington said: “I've been told it's now down to the last knocking
and we'll hear within four weeks.

“This is a major urban regeneration scheme for the poorest parts of
Watford and step towards the health campus, but it will also be for
the general benefit of Watford and I am behind it 100 percent.”

Roger Gagan, chief executive of Watford and West Herts Chamber of
Commerce, said he had his fingers crossed for the project to get the
green light.

He said: “It's important to the town that people can come into Watford
from the met line from prosperous areas like Moor Park and Harrow and
do some some shopping, without having to bring their car.

“It will help commuters by easing traffic, and means London is linked
to Watford so business people can get in and out much easier.

“It will also be good for attracting new businesses, and this will
make our excellent communication links much better.”

A three dimensional video shows the scale of new route, which is hoped
to be finished by 2016, as it winds its way from Croxley Green, along
the railway bridge and into Watford.

Barry Grant, from the Croxley Green Residents' Association, said:
“There are a lot of unanswered questions but you can't halt progress,
this has been going on for years now.

“From my perspective how it will be funded has not been adequately
explained, it is expected that a large proportion will come from the
private sector.

“Successive ideas have come and gone and the costs have spiralled, if
it's going to be built the residents of Croxley Green want to make
sure we get the best out of it.

“The face of Watford and Croxley Green will be changed by this railway
going through largely undeveloped land. I am concerned about the metal
construction which will mean more noise.

“It'll be a change for better or worse, it will certainly be striking,
and you want it to look as good as money will allow.”

Mr Grant also raised concerns about the Sea Scouts and school
buildings below the proposed site.

He added: “I'd be interested to know what is in mind for relocating
those, it will not be pleasant working under a railway flyover.”

Consulting company Mouchel will publish six new fact sheets, available
for download on November 14.

These will address feedback from consultation, a response to key
issues, an environmental assessment, funding update, the next steps
and a construction plan.

However, an email address intended to let residents register their
views is currently not working, with messages returned as
undeliverable.

Drop in sessions will be held in Explore Church, Fuller Way, Croxley
Green, on November 16, in Watford Museum on November 17, Laurence
Haines School on November 22 and Watford Grammar School on November
24.

See a fly through view of the proposed viaduct by clicking the link
below.

Related links

Watch the 3D video here

We can only hope. This "no brainer" has run and run to no avail thus
far.