The Northern Line Campaign

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Economic Stimulus - 12th July 2010 News Image

London Underground are delivering a major tube upgrade programme, increasing speed and capacity by up to 20% ahead of the Olympics. Whilst we support the need for an improved service of the northern line, we are determined that any upgrade and infrastructure works will not come at the expense of the business community.

The initial programme proposed 33 consecutive full line closures and 16 months of early weekday closures (last trains south running at approx 10.30pm). The impact of this closure programme would be devastating, especially on the retail and late night economy.

We immediately notified all our members and initiated a far reaching lobbying campaign, retaining PR & Public Affairs consultants and engaging with key players including London Underground, Transport for London, the Mayor’s office, Department for Transport and Tube Lines, the PPP company responsible for delivering the upgrade. As a result of this campaign, we entered into detailed dialogue with Tube Lines Chief Executive and were very close to agreeing a much reduced closure programme of around 12 non consecutive weekend closures.

The mayor has since announced that Tube Lines will be brought into public ownership and the upgrade work will be carried out by London Underground. As a result, the final closure programme will be revised again, and may well be further affected by public funding cuts. However, we can move forward with firm evidence of the viability of a reduced programme and strong relationships already established with key individuals who will determine the length of the programme.

It is important to understand that aside from CTU and London First, no other business organizations appear to have succeeded in making Tube Lines and London Underground understand the huge impact of the closure programme on local business

Camden Town Unlimited will continue to fight on your behalf to keep our tube stations open.

Read our latest correspondence with London Underground here.
 
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