Fast track decision sought to stop Piccadilly Line

MP convenes high level talks in a bid to convince tube chiefs

High-level talks between London Underground and a coalition of Council officers and local residents have taken place in a bid to convince tube chiefs to allow the Piccadilly Line to stop at Turnham Green station.

Tim O'Toole, London Underground’s Managing Director, agreed to the meeting which was convened by Brentford and Isleworth MP Ann Keen to give the group an opportunity to present its case.

Ann Keen said, “I am pleased to bring all relevant parties together on this complicated issue. Residents have compiled impressive research on the benefits to residents and the borough and London Underground have committed to look into the information in details. They have also confirmed that the works on the Piccadilly Line upgrade and re-signalling works will ensure that the option for a stop at Turnham Green is an option for the future. "

Leader of Hounslow Council and Turnham Green ward councillor Peter Thompson said, “We have been trying to persuade London Underground to stop the Piccadilly Line at Turnham Green station for some time, and have been working proactively with residents to achieve this goal. We strongly believe that there is a growing need for improved public transport across West London, to cater for the changing needs of residents and commuters. ”

Chiswick resident and creator of on-line petition Gareth Thomas, said, 'Whilst we are naturally disappointed that no short term improvements are to be allowed, we appreciate the commitment to build in signalling to allow for a stop in the longer term and hope that London Underground will continue to revisit the possibility of improving the service for Chiswick residents'

Fellow resident Ollie Dewis added, "This meeting was a very positive beginning to what will be an ongoing dialogue between residents, LUL and the London Borough of Hounslow. Residents are very grateful that a forum was created by our parliamentary representative enabling us to present our views and research to LUL reps at a very senior level, to support our need for a piccadilly line stop at Turnham Green"

The group’s arguments centre on the following:

• Turnham Green is the second busiest station on The Piccadilly Line between Heathrow and Hammersmith, but is only served by Piccadilly Line trains in the very early mornings and late evenings;
• As a result, passenger waiting times are the longest on average (peak time) in this sector;
• While London Underground has traditionally argued that the stop would increase journey times for through passengers using the Piccadilly Line, the group has calculated that the time-savings for Turnham Green passengers and Richmond branch passengers wishing to access the Piccadilly Line at Turnham Green would outweigh the dis-benefits to through passengers.

Earlier this year Chiswick resident Gareth Thomas set up an on-line petition on the Government's website. The petition remains one of the highest ranking transport issues on the site with almost 3,000 signatures of support. The petition is open until 9th August 07 and can be found at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/list/open?cat=521.

June 27, 2007