From Watford Observer, Friday, October 15, 2004

Rail link moves a step close to being realised

By DINA BEHRMAN

The long-awaited Croxley Rail Link looks a step closer to becoming a reality
after a £10bn transport blue print including the link was unveiled by
London’s mayor Ken Livingstone this week.
The scheme to transform the capital’s transport network includes a plan to
push the Metropolitan Line out to Watford Junction to link with the national
rail network.
This week Phil Glazebrook of Watford Rail Users’ Group welcomed the news. He
said: "It sounds superb from what I gather, we have been pushing for it for
ages.
"This looks like a source of funding, which is the only thing that has been
holding it up for quite a few years."
The Croxley Rail link has so far failed to receive Government funding but the
estimated cost is about £97million. It is hoped central Government will invest
about £70million, with the rest of the funding coming from London Underground,
Hertfordshire County Council and Watford Borough Council.
Mr Livingstone’s five year-year scheme, unveiled on Tuesday, is intended to
provide a "21st Century transport system".
The capital investment programme must be approved by the Transport for London
(TFL) board later this month and is also subject to consultation.
Many believe the link would offer a boost to the economic development of
Watford and the surrounding area, giving commuters the chance to board the
Metropolitan Line at Watford West and Watford High Street, as well as Watford
Junction.
The plans to re-route the Metropolitan Line will see the Watford branch of the
Metropolitan Line connected with Network Rail’s disused Croxley Green to
Watford Junction line, via a new viaduct approximately one kilometre north of
Croxley station.
The plans would also include new stations at Ascot Road and Watford West, as
well as refurbishment of platforms and stations at Watford High Street and
Watford Junction.
If the link goes ahead Metropolitan Line trains will run from Watford Junction
to Central London at least every ten minutes.
A spokesman for TFL said "A rigorous assessment of the impacts of the scheme
on the local area is being undertaken. This will result in a full environmental
statement which will be available in due course."
Once the public consultation is complete, TFL will apply for planning
permission. A public inquiry could be held in 2005.
If successful, approval could be granted by 2006, with the link constructed
and operational by 2009.
Michael Brasier of Brasier Harris Chartered Surveyors said he thought the link
could only be good news for the area. He said "It will continue to underpin the
value of living in Watford but we don’t think we are going to see it, in the
present market, causing an increase in house prices."
He added: "It just keeps adding to the attractions of living in Watford.
It’s beneficial in terms of commercial economics and good for the town."
However, MP for Watford Claire Ward said she didn’t think people should be
too hasty in celebrating the news.
She said: "It’s great to hear the mayor has put it into the five-year plan
but everybody assumes the board will support it - that’s only part of the
money.
"We still need to persuade the Government to fund part of it as well. Other
organisations also need to come forward with the rest of the money."
She added she thought it was crucial for the town: "It will open up West
Watford and the tube network through the main rail line. It will be hugely
important for businesses in Watford."

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John Burke
Watford Rail User Group