Crossrail is one of the most important transport projects currently being undertaken in Britain.  By 2017, it aims to link west and south east London together for the first time, meaning that passengers will be able to board a train in Abbey Wood, and travel directly to Heathrow for the first time.  The project will see the creation of two tunnels under Central London alongside 8 new stations across the capital to service the new route.  It is expected to create up to 14,000 jobs as well as potentially boost the capital's economy to the tune of £36billion!

Crossrail is one of the most important transport projects currently being undertaken in Britain.  By 2017, it aims to link west and south east London together for the first time, meaning that passengers will be able to board a train in Abbey Wood, and travel directly to Heathrow for the first time.

Click on the map below to show the currently proposed route of Crossrail.

Whilst I am delighted that the capital will benefit from this major transport improvement programme, I feel it could be improved upon.  The constituency of Dartford is at the heart of the Thames Gateway, one of the largest economic regeneration programmes in Europe.  If this investment is to be sufficiently realised it is vital that the area benefits from excellent transport links.  Clearly the addition of Ebbfleet International Station and the commencement of commuter services between Ebbsfleet and St Pancras will be of major benefit to commuters looking to reach the City of London and I am delighted by this.

However, I think that Dartford and the Thames Gateway at large, would benefit massively if the area were linked into to Crossrail.  This would allow people to access the west of London with far greater ease, and also offer travellers the opportunity to reach destinations such as Heathrow directly, potentially reducing the need to drive to such areas.  Furthermore, as well as making it easier for local people to travel out of the area, it would also make it easier for people to travel into the area, something that is vital if the Gateway is to become the economic hub of Kent envisaged by its creators.

To this end I have launched a campaign aimed at getting Crossrail extended through Dartford and on to Ebbsfleet.  I am calling on local people to back this campaign so that I can show Ministers the strength of local feeling in an effort to win their support.  If you would like to add your support to this campaign then please complete the form on the menu to your left.  I will keep you fully updated with the latest information on this campaign via my website and my regular email newsletters.