2012 rail link 'cause for concern'

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West Sussex County Council said a report on future investment shows only £9 million has been earmarked for improvements at Gatwick station instead of the £30 million-plus that has been expected.

Concerns were raised by the council at the prospect that one of the main gateways into Britain will lack a fast and effective rail network by the time the Olympics begin.

Tory county council leader Henry Smith said he had written to Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly to state his concerns at the proposals in the hope they will intervene.

In his letter, Mr Smith said: "It is the view of West Sussex County Council that this approach makes no sense and will leave Gatwick unfit for purpose for the Olympic period and beyond."

Strong representations have also been made to the Office of Rail Regulation which has said it will not release funds needed to improve the track, signalling and platforms at the station.

Mr Smith said: "Gatwick is going to be a major gateway into this country for the Olympics, second only to Heathrow, and we need a fast, efficient and effective rail network to move people around. It would be a major disappointment if we only get the concourse improvements before 2012."

He added that a comprehensive improvement scheme was needed at Gatwick, not just for Olympics but for beyond in order to cope with expansion.

"We need the track, signalling and platform improvements for the long-term future of Gatwick as part of ensuring that its growth from 35.5 million passengers a year to a predicted 40 million by 2015 is as sustainable as possible," Mr Smith said.

"It surely also makes much more sense to complete all the work needed at Gatwick as a single package instead of adopting a piecemeal approach. Completing the full scheme at the same time is also going to minimise disruption."