Tooting MP and London Mayoral candidate, Sadiq Khan, has pressured Transport for London for further explanation on the move from Tooting Broadway to Balham for a Crossrail 2 station.
Transport for London released details about the proposed re-route of Crossrail 2 through Balham instead of Tooting Broadway in the consultation on Tuesday.
It comes after ground faults near Tooting were discovered, meaning work there would take two years longer than originally estimated and cost more.
The news was met with frustration as many said Tooting needed the station more than Balham.
- From Tuesday: Tooting Broadway battles Balham as consultation launched
- October 22: Anger erupts as Balham favoured over Tooting Broadway
Mr Khan has written to TfL managing director Michele Dix to question why Tooting Broadway has been ruled out so quickly when the extra expense was found.
Mr Khan said: "I understand that building a station at Tooting Broadway may be more complicated, however it must not be ruled out as a viable option.
"Local people need to have all the information – the cost, the timescales, the impact on local amenities – so they can make an informed decision on what is the best option for our area.
"I support Crossrail 2 wholeheartedly, but as your MP I want to make sure we get the best deal for Tooting, and that’s why I’m keeping the pressure on TfL to keep local residents informed and at the centre of the decision on where the station should go.
"I’m worried that many people who will be affected by this will miss out on having their say – and so I’ve called on TfL to write to everyone in the area too."
In a statement at the beginning of the month, Ms Dix, TfL’s managing director of Crossrail 2, said: "Earlier this year the route for Crossrail 2 was safeguarded including provision for a station at Tooting Broadway.
"Recent assessments have identified that ground conditions in the Tooting area would make it significantly more difficult to build a station at Tooting Broadway than originally thought.
"As a result of these challenges, we are looking at an alternative station location at Balham.
"A Crossrail 2 station at Balham would still provide very similar benefit, principally helping relieve crowding on the most congested parts of the Northern line.
"We will therefore be consulting on options for a station at Balham and will be talking with the communities around both stations about our plans.
"However, it is still early days and no final decisions have been taken."
Are you keen to see Tooting get a Crossrail 2 station? Send us your thoughts to Letters@wandsworthguardian.co.uk
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