Blow to two major London transport projects as they miss out on funding at Budget

"While it is disappointing not to hear firm commitments yet on the West London Orbital or the Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension, the case for both is overwhelming. Brent has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country, so good transport here is not a luxury, it is the difference between opportunity and being left behind."

"The Bakerloo scheme would involve extending the line from its current southern terminus at Elephant and Castle down to Lewisham via New Cross Gate, with new stations proposed on the Old Kent Road and at Burgess Park. A second phase would then use existing rail lines to extend it to Hayes in South East London. The 'upgrade' element of the plan relates to the train carriages, which at 52 years old are the UK's oldest to still be in regular passenger service."

The Chancellor approved a DLR extension but the Budget made no funding commitment for the Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension or the West London Orbital. Brent Council is campaigning for Government and Transport for London investment, arguing that transport infrastructure drives prosperity and equal opportunity, especially in deprived areas. The Bakerloo proposal would extend from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via New Cross Gate, add stations on Old Kent Road and Burgess Park, later reach Hayes, and replace 52-year-old carriages. The West London Orbital would convert freight-only lines into London Overground services serving Brent, Barnet, Ealing and Hounslow.

Read at www.standard.co.uk