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Gatwick rail links 'will be unfit for purpose in 2012'
Jack Lefley, Evening Standard27.08.08
A spending squeeze could leave rail links to Gatwick Airport "unfit for purpose" by the time the London 2012 Olympics start, government ministers were warned today.
West Sussex County Council said a report on future investment shows only £9million has been earmarked for improvements at Gatwick station instead of the £30million-plus that had been expected.
Tory council leader Henry Smith said today that he had written to Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly 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, he claimed, 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: "We need the track, signalling and platform improvements for the long-term future of Gatwick as part of ensuring that its growth from 35.5million passengers a year to a predicted 40million by 2015 is as sustainable as possible.
"That means we need to encourage more people across the South-East and beyond to leave their cars at home and use public transport for journeys to the airport.
"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."
A spokesman for the Office of Rail Regulation said it had "looked at what the Government requires at Gatwick".
He added: "This is a draft determination which came out in June. We have got a period of consultation under way during which we welcome people's soundings, including those of West Sussex County Council.
"Nothing is set in stone and we are looking to receive all consultations by September 4 with a final report out in October."
The spokesman also denied that the ORR would not release the funds needed to improve track, signalling and platforms at the station.
