Norman Haste, Cross London Rail Links (CLRL) Chief Executive, has welcomed the Secretary of State's announcement on Tuesday July 20, 2004 giving the go ahead for Crossrail to prepare a hybrid Bill for submission to Parliament 'at the earliest opportunity'.

'We are ready to meet the Government's requirements and will now press ahead with a second round of consultation commencing on August 5. Further engineering and planning considerations along the route will be looked at in the light of the Government announcement.

'The Secretary of State has scrutinised the responses to Crossrail's initial consultation, and the Montague Report, which have shown that there is a need and a desire for Crossrail in the capital,' said Mr Haste.

The route now being consulted on runs from Maidenhead in the West through Paddington, Liverpool Street, on to Shenfield via Stratford and Ebbsfleet via the Isle of Dogs (Canary Wharf) in the East. There will be a spur to Heathrow after Hayes station.

Mr Haste continued: 'It is good news for those who use the route from Maidenhead. Having listened to the views of the public and stakeholders, we are also consulting on more stops between Paddington and Hayes.'

Mr Haste emphasised: 'We are still listening to the views of the public and stakeholders. Our Consultation Round One showed that overall, 75 per cent, or three out four, members of the public who made a response in that consultation, agreed with the concept of the project.'

Sir Christopher Benson, Chair of CLRL, commented: 'This is the start of what is going to be a great railway network and give a solid platform for London and the South East to keep pace with the developments of the 21st century.

'Our Business Case says that the network will bring more than £20bn of economic benefits and regeneration into the capital, and support the creation of many more jobs and homes in the Thames Gateway area.'

Please click here to be taken to the latest Crossrail Line 1 Route Maps

ends

issued 26 July 2004


For further information contact Ian Rathbone, media manager, 020
7150 8760, fax 020 7941 7748, mob: 07739 226 285 or e-mail:
ianrathbone@crossrail.co.uk