Boris pulls plug on DLR extension

The Dockland Light Railway (DLR)

Friday, 10, Oct 2008 02:00

Plans to extend London's Docklands Light Railway to the east to regenerate deprived areas of the capital have been scrapped by mayor Boris Johnson.

Around £5 million was spent on consultation and planning for the move, which would have extended the line to Dagenham Dock. The scheme was supported by former mayor Ken Livingstone in order to regenerate the Thames Gateway.

"Pulling local schemes like this effectively rips lifelines from outer boroughs who, before the Greater London Assembly (GLA) existed, felt excluded from the capital's transport infrastructure," said local assembly member John Biggs.

"It's devastating to realise that residents in the outer boroughs are already being treated as outcasts in Boris's vision for London."

A spokesman for the mayor poured cold water on the claims.

"The mayor finds claims that he is purposefully pulling the plug on schemes in poorer areas of London completely incredulous," he told politics.co.uk.

"The mayor is aware of the concern that Londoners must be feeling at the constant stream of financial stories in the media. And he believes that it is completely wrong of assembly members to suggest that this is anything other than taking a responsible approach to the new economic reality."