Getting Hackney Moving II

17 Mar 2006

Hackney Gazette

Ever since I became an MP I have campaigned for better public transport in Hackney. Women and the elderly are particularly dependent on public transport, and it has a key role to play in economic regeneration generally. I am a non-driver and use public transport so I am well aware of the problems as well as the improvements since Ken Livingstone became Mayor and took over public transport. One of my major concerns is that Hackney is still the only inner London borough without a tube or major rail link to central London. Luckily the Olympic Games have highlighted the need for putting in place a better transport infrastructure. I believe this is a unique opportunity to get Hackney moving. A modern and effective transport system will be the greatest legacy the Olympics could leave Hackney.

We are in the heart of the Olympic project and have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform our poorest areas. The Games will inevitably drive economic regeneration by brining in new jobs, new homes but most importantly better public transport. Transportation is central to driving forward economic development in our vicinity. I have campaigned for years to bring the tube to Hackney because I believe it to be crucial for improving the Borough. Now we’re getting it. Transport for London has committed to huge investment in the CTRL and Crossrail and the tube, the East London Line, will finally reach us by 2009 through Shoreditch, Hoxton, Haggerston and Dalston. The Northern Line too is to be upgraded to an eight train per hour service.

The North London Line, which is vital to commuters in Hackney used to be under British rail but soon Ken Livingstone will be taking over parts of it putting power back into Londoners’ hands. The North London Railway runs through Hackney and Dalston Kingsland is a major interchange so we'll really feel the benefits of an improved service. I am glad to see the Government is continuing their programme of devolution. As Londoners who use these transport services on an everyday basis we are best placed ourselves to take responsibility for them. And ken has an excellent record on improving the bus service etc.

I have made clear to the Mayor of London that better transport links in and out of Hackney are essential for the Olympic project to run smoothly. Hackney will be much more attractive to investors when it is easy to get themselves and their customers in and out of here. Our house prices will rise as commutes get shorter and our local facilities will improve our social landscape. I will want to make sure that Hackney makes the most of the Olympics and will do my part to ensure that the government delivers on these promises.

Of course there will be downsides as well. Much concern has been voiced about the destiny of the Hackney Marshes. And local residents, such as those frequenting Tony's Italian diner on Broadway Market, have expressed dismay at the Olympic project. They fear that our distinctiveness and locality is threatened. I, of course, share these concerns and agree that hosting the Games could change Hackney forever. However, on balance I am certain that it will be for the better.  I understand that local businesses feel threatened by outside agencies, however, Ken Livingstone has agreed that small business will be central to delivering all services related to the Games. A large chunk of these will be Hackney businesses.

Together we must ensure that Hackney reaps the maximum benefit from the Olympics. So let’s keep the focus on getting Hackney moving.



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