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Greenwich + London-wide stories

Crossrail is vital but needs to learn lessons

24 February 2010 - 9:15pm — Administrator

The London Assembly Transport Committee has launched a new report, questioning the sums Londoners are paying for the Crossrail project, and criticising the way compulsory purchases of businesses and homes have been handled.

In the report, 'Light at the end of the tunnel', the Committee recognises the value of the £16bn rail link project, which will bring an extra 10% capacity on London’s overcrowded rail and Tube network, thousands of new jobs and a massive boost to the national economy.

However, it questions the fairness of Londoners contributing the majority of the funding, when 8 of the 37 stations are outside Greater London, and the project is expected to generate £22bn for central government over the next ten years. It also points out Crossrail's poor handling of displaced businesses and residents whose premises are compulsory purchased to make way for construction work, especially in Soho.

Incredible progress on the Olympics site

22 February 2010 - 8:24pm — Administrator

Caroline went on a trip around the Olympics site on Friday 19th February, to look at the progress that is being made on transforming this huge site into the Olympic Park.

“The progress since I last visited two years ago is incredible. The design of the aquatics centre, velodrome and stadium is quite exceptional. I can’t wait to see the finished venues!” said Caroline Pidgeon.

Video: monitoring the Crossrail project

12 February 2010 - 9:43pm — Administrator

From the site of the station redevelopment at Tottenham Court Road, Caroline Pidgeon explains how the London Assembly Transport Committee will be monitoring the Crossrail project to ensure it is on time, on budget and delivers the extra transport capacity that London urgently needs.

Looking forward to the new East London Line

4 February 2010 - 8:39pm — Administrator

On Thursday 28th January Caroline went on a visit to look at the new East London Line Extension works and to view the extension of the Docklands Light Railway.

Caroline visited New Cross Gate Depot and saw the new trains for the line, as well as looking at the new station and works at Shoreditch.

The DLR visit included a trip out to Stratford and down to Woolwich via City Airport.

“The extension of the DLR and the works on the new East London Line were very impressive and it is great to see so much investment going into public transport. I can’t wait for the East London Line to reopen” said Lib Dem Caroline Pidgeon.

Keeping track of Crossrail

22 December 2009 - 10:49am — Administrator

Caroline went on a site visit on Friday 18th December to look at works at Tottenham Court Road for Crossrail and the upgrade of the London Underground Station.

Climate Camp in Blackheath

11 September 2009 - 9:12pm — Administrator

Lib Dem Assembly Member and member of the police and fire authorities for London, Caroline Pidgeon, joined Lib Dem MP Tom Brake in a visit to the Climate Camp in Blackheath in August.

“I wanted to see for myself and talk to ‘climate campers’ about how the police were policing the camp and any other safety issues and concerns.

“I was delighted to chat with local Fire Chiefs and hear about safety measures they had helped with to ensure the camp was fire safe and to hear about the low key police presence in the wider area” added Caroline.

Caroline Pidgeon supports councillors fighting for Blackheath train services

4 September 2009 - 7:44pm — Administrator

London Assembly Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Caroline Pidgeon AM led a delegation of Greenwich Liberal Democrat councillors to lobby South East Trains Public Affairs Manager Mike Gibson about plans to cut commuter train services at Blackheath Station.

Caroline Pidgeon, who is Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee commented: “It does seem extraordinary that with more and more passengers using rail to get to work, a train operator is withdrawing commuter trains.”

Lib Dems back bikers faced with foot tunnel closure

2 September 2009 - 9:31pm — Administrator

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, has called on Greenwich Council Leader Chris Roberts to provide an alternative river crossing for hundreds of cyclists when the Greenwich Foot Tunnel closes for up to 18 months for renovation. Cyclists and pedestrians are also threatened with the closure of the 'sister' Woolwich Foot Tunnel at the same time.

Cllr Pidgeon met a group of cyclists at the Cutty Sark outside the south entrance to the Foot Tunnel with Liberal Democrat group leader on Greenwich Council Brian Woodcraft, Cllr Paul Webbewood, and Lib Dem councillors from Lewisham.

After using the lift and inspecting the Tunnel, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"Chris Roberts and Boris Johnson cannot just leave hundreds of cyclists who depend on the Foot Tunnel to get to work every day without an alternative. They face either biking many extra miles to cross Tower Bridge or to use the Woolwich Ferry. The Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels are too dangerous for cyclists and DLR rules do not permit bikes. The Council and the Mayor must find a workable alternative."

City Hall calls in Madrid metro boss to help sort Jubilee Line

1 September 2009 - 8:38pm — Administrator

In the East London Advertiser, Caroline discusses her Transport Committee's plans to investigate the disruption called by works on the Jubilee Line - including calling in the managing director of the Madrid Metro, to find out how lessons can be learned from Spain.

The full article is here.

Both the Tube and Crossrail are essential for London

18 May 2009 - 8:31pm — Administrator

On Friday 15th May, Caroline attended an event to witness the start of the construction of Crossrail with the Mayor of London and Prime Minister.

When it is completed in 2017, Crossrail will go from Maidenhead in the West through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East, taking in Heathrow, Paddington, Farringdon and Stratford in between. (You can see a map of the route here.)