In article ,
Paul Scott wrote:
"Nick Leverton" wrote in message
...
In article ,

That seems odd to me, as I thought one reason for this truncation of
services was to allow the SLL junction at Battersea Park to be abolished
so that the Brighton line platforms could be extended ?

Is it really a 'cause and effect' reason? I think the only (published) bona
fide excuse for removal of the service is the capacity reduction caused by
alterations at London Bridge, once having made that decision, the platform
extension option then became available.

I believe you are right in that it was an opportunity taken rather
than a motivating factor. However the changes at the London Bridge /
New Cross end of the route would surely not have precluded keeping a
service from the South London lines into Victoria ? I did read the
document assessing the options at the time it was mentioned here, but
don't remember the details.

Anyway, whilst we are on the topic of this service, the following has
been quoted on the "gensheet" rare track mailing list, forwarded with
acknowledgements (some of it apparently further quoted from Branch Line
News to whom it is probably copyright).

Note the implication that the Battersea Park junction link will not
completely close immediately despite the cessation of services.

"Battersea Park Platforms 1&2 'Branch Platforms' - Battersea Park Jnc.:
(BLN 1161.557) Closes Passengers from 9th December 2012, on cessation
of London Bridge - South London Line - Victoria passenger service and
extension of the East London Line service to Clapham Jct. It has been
suggested this link will eventually close completely to allow extension
of Platform 3 across the junction. Wandsworth Road (Factory Jct 'A')
to Battersea Park Station is expected to receive a token service of one
train each way SSuX from 10th December 2012."

"The last Victoria to London Bridge SLL train on Saturday December 8th
will be V 2311 - LB 2336. This means that it will be possible to
travel on the final through services between Victoria, Battersea Park
and Wandsworth Road stations and back: V 2311 - WR 2317 / 2329 - V 2337
(i.e. before the introduction of the 'Parliamentary' trains)."

One train each way per day will cover the Battersea Park - Wandsworth
Road section:

0618 Battersea Park - Highbury & Islington
2217 Highbury & Islington to Battersea Park

and one other each way will cover Wandsworth Road - Victoria via
Stewart's Lane:

0530 London Victoria - Bromley South
1818 Sevenoaks to London Victoria

Nick
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