Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is about to end years of speculation when he finally announces his decision on whether to endorse the long-delayed Crossrail project. Senior Reporter ADRIAN KWINTNER spoke to some of the scheme’s key supporters … business, transport and political leaders are pressing the Government to approve, what could become, the most important rail project yet for the future of London and the south east.

Crossrail will link east and west London, with a train service between the Isle of Dogs and Woolwich, if Transport Secretary Alistair Darling gives it the go-ahead when he receives the final business case for the £10bn project next month.

It will provide a direct westbound line via Woolwich, to Tottenham Court Road, Paddington and Heathrow and, according to current proposals, east to Dartford and the new international station at Ebbsfleet, near Gravesend.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Bexley Council Leader Chris Ball, as well as other political leaders, have sent a joint letter to Mr Darling calling for urgent backing of Crossrail.

They say any delay in the Government agreeing to the project before Parliament rises next month, could end the prospect of successfully fast-tracking a bill to allow the project to be authorised by April 2004. They warn any delay in decision-making could defer the bill’s submission until November 2004.

Mr Livingstone said: “Every sector in London would turn on the Government with a vengeance if it did not go ahead with Crossrail.” The Mayor adds, swift approval would help London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics.

But the real prize would be regeneration. Councillor Ball said: “In Bexley, we have London’s largest manufacturing area, with space for houses, technologically clean industry and scope for community facilities.

“Crossrail will help revitalise the north of the borough, providing a place to work, rest and play.” One of the routes under consultation would see trains running on the existing north Kent line via Woolwich through to Abbey Wood, Belvedere, Erith, Slade Green, Dartford, Stone Crossing, Greenhithe, Swanscombe and Ebbsfleet.

A decision also has to be made on whether the train service between Isle of Dogs and Woolwich will run via the Royal Docks or Charlton.

Greenwich Council favours the Charlton option but Bexley Council says the more expensive Royal Docks option will create more jobs.

But all sides agree the most important thing is for Crossrail to finally go ahead.

The Department of Transport says Mr Darling supports the scheme in principle but cannot make a decision until the Crossrail Project Team presents him with a final business case in July.

A spokesman said: “There was another proposal for Crossrail in the 1990s which didn’t go through because of concerns about affordability, so we must get it right.” But without Crossrail, London’s public transport system is likely to sink further into gridlock.

Crossrail project team chief executive, Norman Haste, said: “Crossrail will tackle congestion on the rail system, allowing passengers to benefit from more space in modern metro-style trains.” London Transport Users’ Committee director Rufus Barnes says congested roads mean there is massive pressure to get people onto public transport.

He said: “If London is to remain a world-class city, it’s got to have a public transport system which meets the expectations of the 21st Century.”