DBC Press release: We’re making the case for Crossrail say local Leaders The Leaders of Gravesham and Dartford Councils have confirmed they are working together to lobby for an extension of Crossrail to serve their two communities. Current plans for Crossrail would see the service terminate at Abbey Wood but the two local Leaders say it would be ‘short-sighted’ to ignore the benefits that the service could bring to their existing local communities as well as the planned developments at Ebbsfleet Garden City and the Paramount resort at Swanscombe. Councillor John Burden said, “Although the current proposals halt at Abbey Wood, the route is safeguarded through our two towns so I hope it means we are pushing at an open door. Both Gravesham and Dartford have huge growth potential but we can only ask local people to meet the challenges ahead if they know that the local transport systems can cope. Part of that should be Crossrail.” Dartford Leader Jeremy Kite agreed, saying, “There is no way that any serious economy could accept a new rail network that stopped a few miles short of two major residential and leisure destinations. John and I are making the case at every opportunity and I am cautiously optimistic that we have been successful in getting our message across. It is certainly being discussed seriously now and I hope we don’t have to wait too long for some progress.”
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:37:57 +0000