MP lobbies Coalition on Station Plans

 

On Thursday 15 July Joan Ruddock MP and representatives from Transport for London and Lewisham Council, met with Transport Minister, Theresa Villiers, to put forward the case for Surrey Canal Road Station.

 

Previously Ms Ruddock had secured a commitment from the Department for a £7million contribution, provided the business case for the station was met. However due to different models the Department had reached a different view on the strength of the case to TfL and the matter could not be resolved before the election.

 

Using the same criteria that it uses for every other station, development and line in London TfL have said that Surrey Canal Station shows good value for money.

 

At the meeting Ms Ruddock stressed the potential passengers living in new planned developments in the Surrey Canal Road area as well as the current demand from residents. The minister agreed to look carefully at the case before making a final decision.

 

Ms Ruddock said “I remain convinced of the case for the station at Surrey Canal Road and will keep campaigning for this station. I hope that the Department will have the foresight to help build the station now rather than at a later date when it would cost more to build on a working line.”