Crossrail: unanswered questions
05/10/2007
Despite the razzmatazz that has accompanied the government’s announcement that billions of pounds have at last been acquired to fund the project, profound concerns remain.
George Galloway, MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, which will see major work on Crossrail start in 2010, made a devastating indictment of the project to the Crossrail select committee. He commented today: “We still do not have the assurances we need about the threat of displacement and disruption to many residents in East London. The government retreated over the Brick Lane drilling but there is still a threat even there.”
“I also have continuing profound concerns about the impact on one on the city farms in Stepney Green and to residents in Bow who are threatened with years of traffic disruption, noise and pollution because of Crossrail.”
Galloway also expressed his fears over the cost of Crossrail. “£16 billion is a huge sum of money, and these massive projects almost invariably come in way over budget. I remain very concerned that the cost of this prestige project will end up severely squeezing investment on other vital parts of the transport infrastructure such as tube improvements. And it is strange the government has found money for Crossrail whilst investment to alleviate the enormous housing crisis in East London is still hopelessly inadequate.”
www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=1598
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