Crossrail is exhibiting at all three party conferences this year.

The team has been speaking to MPs and visitors on the Crossrail stand, and taking part in various fringe events to discuss the next steps since the Secretary of State gave the go-ahead in July, 2004, to prepare a hybrid Bill for submission to Parliament.

Norman Haste, Crossrail's Chief Executive, has also visited the conferences and answered questions.

Bernard Gambrill, Head of Public Affairs, said: 'We have already spoken to quite a number of MPs, local councillors and others, and many want us to get digging straight away!'

The main fringe event titled 'Crossrail: From Consultation to Creation', is being held at all three conferences. This provides a forum for discussion of the contribution that Crossrail will make to the UK as a project of national significance.

The event took place at the Labour conference on Wednesday 29 September with the BBC's John Humphreys in the chair.

At the Conservative Party conference, the Crossrail Fringe Meeting will be on Tuesday 5 October at 5.45pm in the Stour 1 Room, Bournemouth International Centre. Speakers include Tony Travers, Director, Greater London Group, London School of Economics, and Crossrail's Chief Executive, Norman Haste.

Ends

Issued 30 September 2004

For further information contact the Crossrail helpline on 0845 602 3813 or e-mail helpdesk@crossrail.co.uk