Greenwich shocked at Thames Gateway decision (From News Shopper)

Greenwich shocked at Thames Gateway decision

6:14pm Thursday 6th November 2008 in

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GREENWICH Council is shocked that Boris Johnson has dropped plans to build the Thames Gateway bridge.

The structure would have planned to connect the borough to east London.

But it was one of the major projects not included in the London mayor’s transport improvement plan for London which was announced yesterday (November 6).

Plans for the bridge had been in development for 20 years and building work was due to begin next year subject to final planning approval.

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: "The cancellation of the Thames Gateway Bridge despite the overwhelming support of Londoners and London boroughs which would have benefited from the crossing is a truly shocking position for a mayor of London to take.

“Of particular regret is that the mayor has elected to avoid any discussion about these schemes with council leaders directly affected by his decision.

“Letters have gone unanswered and meetings when arranged are routinely cancelled without explanation.

“Hundreds of businesses and thousands of residents who would have benefited from greater access to emerging job markets have been let down by this decision.

“For south east London, with virtually no tube network, the cancellation leaves the area again bereft of an adequate transport network.

“We can fully expect the cancellation of the Greenwich Waterfront and East London Transit schemes to follow.”

The council leader added: “Far from establishing a relationship with boroughs, the mayor seems to be adopting a bunker mentality where he is afraid to discuss what he wants to do with council leaders.

“The idea of a compact between City Hall and boroughs seems a long way off."

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "London is the engine of the UK economy and it is vital that we continue to invest in better transport during these tough times.

“But at the same time, we need to focus on the projects that deliver real benefits for Londoners, and let go of those that lack the funding for completion.”