Ann Keen Does U-Turn To Jump On Board

MP changes her mind and backs Turnham Green campaign

A petition in favour of an all-day Piccadilly line stop at Turnham Green tube station has been gathering momentum at such a speed, it has caused Ann Keen MP to do a u-turn and voice support for the campaign.

Historically an opposer to the extra stop, Ann Keen told ChiswickW4.com, "I have long supported a Piccadilly line stop at Turnham Green station and in years passed have raised it with Transport for London and their predecessor.

"In the past reasons of signalling changes leading to increased costs and disruption to passengers have been given as operational reasons for not stopping at Turnham Green.

"I have however been in further discussion with Transport for London over the last couple of days. I am committed to supporting this campaign and will liaise with residents and TfL to see if a stop at Turnham Green can be implemented. If campaign organisers and my constituents wish to contact me directly I can represent them on this matter and look to arrange a meeting with Transport for London and the Tube."

The petition, started by local resident Gareth Thomas, has over 1,000 signatures to date.

First appearing on ChiswickW4.com over a week ago, the petition is also doing the rounds via emails from site members encouraging as many residents as possible to sign up.

Hopes were raised recently that a stop would be introduced when Tube Lines announced a major upgrade in the antiquated signalling on the Piccadilly line. However, Tube Lines did not respond to a question as to whether this would have any bearing on the specific issue of Turnham Green.

A similar petition on the Prime Minister's web site asking for the cancellation of the West London Tram project has attracted over 1,200 signatures so far.

February 21, 2007