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Proposed Crossrail 2 route would include stops at Kingston, Wimbledon, Twickenham and Clapham Junction

Summary:

Councillors across south west London boroughs welcome the suggestions.

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By Helena Hickey

A new train line which would include stops in Twickenham, Kingston, Wimbledon and Tooting Broadway was announced yesterday.

The £12bn Crossrail 2, which will run from south-west to north-east London, aims to reduce pressure on the current underground system, particularly the Victoria, Piccadilly and Northern lines.

Although not due to open until the early 2030s, business leaders have praised the proposals and the way it will transform journeys for commuters.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, said Crossrail 2 was a tremendous initiative for the borough.

“Wimbledon will gain direct access to Chelsea, Victoria and central London through a new Underground link at much greater speed than exists at present. This would build on the town centre’s current facilities for Rail, Croydon Tramlink and the District Line,” he said.

“Wimbledon is now likely to become an even more significant business and retail centre. I envisage that it will now cement its role as a prestigious office district attracting new investment in high quality architecture and becoming the home of major companies.

“The prospects for local employment and prosperity throughout the borough are now brighter.”

The recommended route was proposed after business group London First created a working group in October 2011 to scrutinise the need for a new rail link beneath central London.

Chief Executive of London First, Jo Valentine, said: “The UK faces a stark choice: go on investing in London’s transport to keep pace with population and jobs growth – or stifle London’s future success with bottlenecks.

“And we have to make the decision now. We cannot afford the decades of indecision that delayed getting started on Crossrail 1.”

Other south west London boroughs welcomed the proposals.

Councillor Russell King, transport spokesman for Wandsworth Council, said the line is vital for the growing population.

“Northern Line Extension is already bringing the Tube to Battersea and Crossrail 2 would represent another major step forward for our transport network. We are in full campaign mode and will do everything we can to see that it’s delivered,” he said. 

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