East London Line

26 May 2005

Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, today met with new Under Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, Karen Buck, to be briefed on the progress of the East London Line.

Diane Abbott, Karen Buck and top transport officials responsible for bringing the Tube to Hackney, including Chief Operating Officer for London Rail, Howard Smith, toured the Dalston site and saw where the new line and related infrastructure development would go.

Diane Abbott said: “The East London Line is absolutely vital for the future of Hackney. I have long campaigned with the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, for the construction of this line. We made a big step forward in November last year when responsibility for constructing the line was actually transferred to Ken Livingstone and the funding fell into place”.

Diane continued: “I learned today that London Rail is poised to spend up to £30 million on the Kingsland viaduct. This involves refurbishing and replacing a staggering 21 bridges. I was also able to see a video presentation of the line and what the development at Dalston will look like. It is very impressive”.

Diane, who lives in Dalston, added: “Plans for Dalston include a brand new station, housing and offices, and new bus links. Dalston will be transformed. This will bring jobs and business to the area and hope for our young people. We expect work to be completed by 2010. I am very proud to have played a part in delivering this vital project.”

Ends

Notes for editors:

1.      For more information on the East London Line project please contact Peter Boxell, Head of Communications for East London Line on 0207 941 7422, or visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

 



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