Crossrail Action Group
Opposing the Crossrail Plan for Romford & Chadwell Heath

Romfordcag.co.uk, Minutes 28/07/04 - Opposing the construction of the Crossrail Train Depot in Romford

 

Crossrail Action Group- Meeting 28th July 2004.

 

First meeting of the Crossrail Action Group for volunteers, St Andrews Church, 28th July 2004.

 

  1. Intro from Stephen & welcome to Andrew Rosindell M.P.  Stephen & all those present agreed that the first they heard of the Crossrail Depot proposal was from an article in the Romford Recorder.  He also stressed that it is important to contact all residents that may be interested in being active in opposing this development.
  2. Stephen said that James Ryan (Area Consultant Manager at Crossrail) will not divulge why Romford has been chosen as the preferred site for the depot when 37 other possible locations had been considered, but he said that if Crossrail could not get Westlands playing fields then the whole project would collapse.  At present, Crossrail propose to build a new access road from London Road across Westlands.
  3. Ilford had been suggested as a possible contender for the deport but it is thought that the present maintenance depot there is to be sold and the work presently carried out there would be transferred to Romford.  New rolling stock is also to be introduced that will be of C2C design (10 cars in length) & Ilford cannot service these.
  4. The depot at Temple Mills is to close and the work presently carried out there will also be done at Romford.
  5. The Hon. Sec. Of the Ramblers informed the meeting that the grassland know as Jutsums Open Space is covered by a deed of covenant stating that the land can only be used as a public open space/ recreational or agricultural use.  It is also crossed by footpath no. 123.
  6. The government will send £2 Billion on the Crossrail Scheme along with £6 Billion from the private sector.
  7. The Government’s reason for the need for Crossrail- it is expected to carry 7% capacity during peak times therefore relieving Central Line loading.
  8. Resident Tony stated that he was informed by James Ryan prior to the Area Forum at Crowlands Junior School that Maylands was the preferred site- he was not told why this option was dropped.
  9. Andrew Rosindell addressed the meeting.  He stated that the announcement from Alistair Darling (Transport Sec) giving the Crossrail project the green light in the week prior to Parliaments summer recess was very Bad timing as there was no opportunity to ask the minister any questions.

We have 3 months to make our case as to why Romford is unsuitable.  If this fails, compensation should be agreed.

  1. To date, Andrew Rosindell has collected up to 2000 signatures on his petition.  He intends to present this to Downing Street at the end of September 04.
  2.  The Government is able to overturn any decisions made by Crossrail & the London   Borough of Havering
  3. Andrew hopes that a group of residents will be able to meet with Alistair Darling.  Also residents should lobby M.P’s
  4. Events timetable- Bill put through Parliament next Spring.  Construction expected to begin 2007/8
  5. Andrew stated the importance of individual letters to be sent to Crossrail with copies to Tony Blair and Alistair Darling.
  6. Residents asked how high the depot would be (unknown at this time) & why was it that the residents of Maylands had been informed individually by Crossrail when we have been ignored.
  7. East London line will be given preference over the Crossrail project if the Olympic Games are held here.
  8. Stephen said that ‘brownfield’ sites are more expensive to develop that ‘Gree belt land’ due to decontamination etc.
  9. Stephen spoke of petition online’ and suggested that we should do this.
  10. Margaret Mullane, Labour Spokesperson for Romford, said that she has already sent a petition opposing Crossrail and that she has arranged for a demonstration at Romford Town Hall at 7.30 pm on 7th Sept.
  11. Resident Glenda expressed concern that Crossrail would have a huge effect on the schools in the immediate area.
  12. There is a need to monitor GLA/ Tfl/ CR meetings.
  13. Crossrail have stated that only properties within a 100m corridor (50m each side) would be classed as affected by development.
  14. Local estate agencies have been inundated with enquiries regarding house prices- it has been estimated that homes could be reduced in value by £15,000 to £20,000 if the depot goes ahead.
  15. Noise levels will be louder on the curved track & the underpass will concentrate & amplify noise.
  16. Stephen asked if it is worth considering pursuing a restriction on 24 hour usage.
  17.  It was asked what the position was with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.  It was suggested that Havering and Barking and Dagenham should work together.
  18. It was stated that road traffic would increase when local roads are already jammed.
  19. St. Edwards School will loose 2 football fields- residents are concerned that there may be a ‘swap’ with Jutsum’s Open Space.
  20. It appears that West Ham United are not bothered either way if they lose their present training ground- they have been considering a ground in Chigwell.
  21. It was agreed that we should campaign to knock on every door & inform residents of Crossrail’s plans & to encourage them to write letters and sign our petition.
  22. When writing letters to Crossrail, be specific.
  23. Meeting ended at 9.45pm.

 

 

 

 


Home  | Contact Us  | Site Disclaimer