Two of Wandsworth's three MPs are keen to see the case for Balham fully explored as the consultation on Crossrail 2 comes to a close.

In October, the consultation was launched with the "preferred option" of Balham for the Wandsworth station, instead of Tooting Broadway.

Transport for London (TfL) had previously consulted on the Crossrail 2 station going to Tooting Broadway.

January 7: As the Crossrail 2 consultation closes, should Balham or Tooting Broadway win?

Although managing director for the project Michele Dix said no decision had been made, groundworks at Tooting Broadway present problems in the construction of a station.

The station would take two years longer and cost twice as much than a station at Tooting Broadway. 

A Balham station would also see a shaft placed on Wandsworth Common, which has been eliminated in a route with Tooting Broadway. 

Jane Ellison, MP for Battersea and Balham, said she supports Crossrail 2 in principle and would not be against a station at either location.

She said: "I am not yet convinced by TfL’s argument for a change from its preferred route away from Tooting Broadway and to Balham.

"I do not feel that TfL has yet satisfactorily built the case for a route via Balham and there are important aspects of the Tooting option which have yet to be fully and convincingly explored.

"I would emphasise the benefits that a Crossrail 2 station at Tooting would have for improving access to St George’s Hospital.

"This would allow patients using St George’s services, their families, and staff, to access the hospital much more easily than they can at present."

Ms Ellison also said she understood there was only a basic assessment of the economic impact on either Balham or Tooting Broadway and that many of her constituents were concerned about the loss of Waitrose in Balham. 

Sadiq Khan, MP for Tooting and Labour's Mayoral candidate, has supported the campaign for the Tooting Broadway station.

He said: "The project is an absolutely crucial addition to London’s public transport system, and will build on the soon to be opened Crossrail.

"Given that the rail route to and through Tooting Broadway is via the already congested Northern line and that TfL’s initial plans had shown that Crossrail 2 would connect Tooting Broadway with Clapham Junction and Victoria, many are perplexed as to how TfL do not appear to acknowledge the need for a Crossrail 2 site in Tooting Broadway in preference of Balham.

"According to TfL’s own entries and exit count (2014) Tooting Broadway is more congested than Balham station.

"The published figures state that the footfall through Tooting Broadway was 15.1 million while footfall at Balham 13.5 million.

"I stand with local residents, resolute that the cost and more challenging nature of building the Tooting Broadway site should not deter TfL from considering it as the more viable option."

Mr Khan said that many residents were undeterred in their support for a Crossrail 2 station in Tooting Broadway, despite the extra cost and time.