Crowlands Action Group
C.A.G Campaign receives a boost –
Romford Depot may soon be
–it’s official!!
On Wednesday 14th June 2006, Transport Minister Derek Twigg made a written statement regarding Crossrail’s plans for a maintenance depot in Romford.
The statement would suggest that Crossrail have taken on board the concerns of the residents in Havering and have decided to look into locating their depot at an alternative site.
They are preparing a change to the Crossrail Bill that will see the depot being relocated to the Old Oak Common rail depot, near Paddington, with additional maintenance facilities at the existing rail depot at Ilford. The changes to the Bill will have to be sanctioned by the Select Committee before being taken forward as their preferred option. This process is now under way.
Until this process has been completed, Crossrail cannot categorically rule out Romford as an option but it is our understanding that this new proposal has so many positive aspects, which include a cost saving of £80m, that it is unlikely to be refused.
It is therefore our pleasure to tell you that we are cautiously optimistic that Romford as a depot location will soon be dropped.
We should point out that should Crossrail fail to secure this amendment to the Bill, Romford will once again become the preferred location. In the event of this happening, Crossrail have informed us that they have drawn up revised plans for our area, which C.A.G. hope to see in the near future.
The Crossrail Action Group will continue to monitor the situation and hope the champagne will soon be flowing!