Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, commenting on a recent statement by Peter Hendy (Commissioner of Transport for London) that a firm commitment has still not been received from central Government for an additional £7 million funding contribution towards a new station being built at Surrey Canal Road said:
“This is seriously bad news for North Lewisham and for South Bermondsey.
“Despite predictions that a new station would be used by 1.3 million passengers a year and help bring significant investment to the area it seems the Department of Transport are now dithering over whether to support this much needed new station. Without a station at Surrey Canal Road many of the benefits of the second phase of the East London Line extension will be denied to many residents in North Lewisham.
“It is time the Department for Transport clarified their position once and for all. Does their previous pledge to contribute £7 million for this much needed station still stand?
“With a General Election fast approaching this is an issue which people in North Lewisham deserve immediate answers on.”
The local News Shopper paper has covered the story here.
The South London Press also reports on the issue here.
And the London Reconnections blog has an excellent detailed history and account of the issue here.