In article ,
(Robin9) wrote:

With all due respect, the fact that London Transport did some
preparatory work does not mean very much. That work came to
nothing. London Underground did not take over the line to
Alexander Palace which was closed by BR in July 1954.

It was a lot more than preparatory work. Have you ever looked at Highgate
station? It was close to ready for trains to run. London Underground didn't
take over the Ongar train service before 1957 but they had taken over the
line long before then.

Spud's point is that closing the line was foolish. Certainly today,
in today's political climate, no line would be closed. In 1954
attitudes and assumptions were quite different.

http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/m...ll/index.shtml
provides a good thumbnail history.

Yes, some stupidly short-sighted decisions were taken up to the 1970s.

--
Colin Rosenstiel