Defending the Denmark Hill to London Bridge Link
Network Rail is currently consulting on the future of the South London Line (Victoria to London Bridge via Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye and Queens Road).
The consultation document states that due to the proposed Thameslink project there will be 2 less platforms for trains to terminate at London Bridge in a few years time.
The proposals look at whether these services in the future will be able to go to London Bridge or will have to be diverted.
I have been contacted by many of my constituents who are concerned about service reductions and the possibility of the Denmark Hill to London Bridge service being cut entirely.
On Tuesday 30th october 2007 i met with Network Rail, First Capital Connect, Transport for London, cllr Veronica Ward, cllr Fiona Colley and Tessa Jowell MP's office and explained my strong objections to any service cuts.
London Bridge is often the first station for my constituents which has a Tube interchange. The lack of Tubes in Southwark makes having a direct link to London Bridge important for the area.
Additionally London Bridge is the venue for Guy's Hospital, which is used by many of my constituents and cutting this transport service will directly affect many Southwark residents.
Similarly Denmark Hill Station is used by patients travelling to Kings College Hospital as well as staff who commute to the hospital to work from other parts of London.
On 4th October 2007 I made representations to the National RUS Consultation Manager and contacted the Minister of State for Transport to raise my concerns.
To read a copy of the consultation paper please click here and see pages 145-148.
To access the petition against these service cuts then please click here.
I am keen to hear from my constituents who are users of this service. Please contact me at harmanh(at)parliament.uk or write to House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.