Croxley Rail link representation to minister

Croxley Rail Link decision due this yeareWatford Observer Thursday 9th September 2010A decision on the Croxley Rail Link project will be made at the end of this year, a government minister has revealed. Watford MP Richard Harrington and Mayor Dorothy Thornhill visited the Department of Transport (DfT) today (Thursday), where they met with Transport Minister Norman Baker MP to discuss the extension of the Metropolitan Line from Croxley Green to Watford Junction. Together they argued that the scheme not only offered excellent value for money at a time of financial restraint but was also integral to the development of the proposed Watford Health Campus. They also pointed out the benefits to the residents further afield in north west London. Most government departments have been asked to draw up plans to make savings of up to 25 per cent. This led to the DfT putting all spending plans on hold before reassessing them and in particular, their carbon footprint. It is hoped this criteria will, therefore, favour smaller schemes such as the rail link. During their meeting, Mr Baker said the final decision on the project would be made at the end of the year. Mr Harrington said: “It was important for us to go and see the Minister and push the benefits of the scheme for Watford and the surrounding area. I and nearly everyone I’ve spoken to really wants this project to go full steam ahead. “It’s my and Dorothy’s duty shout loudly for Watford but I think it really makes a difference to a minister when a mayor and MP come and state their case. The Minister certainly knows how passionately we care about the project. “I realise that it is a difficult job for the Minister to make savings to the transport budget. However, I think his response to our arguments was very positive.” Mayor Thornhill added: “We had a very good meeting and I think we did a good job in pressing home Watford’s case. “The Minister had clearly done his homework and was interested in our plans for Watford. “The Minister will be making his mind up on a whole host of transport projects by the end of the year so it will be good to get a decision one way or another.”