Those who believe that the retention of the South London line (SLL) service would have no effect on our local services should examine statements from the group campaigning to retain the SLL. They recognised immediately when the SLL was first under threat that retaining their service meant that ?our? loop line from LB to Victoria would have to be scrapped. Here is a fraction of their statement of evidence to Network Rail and TfL:


?The London Bridge-Crystal Palace-Victoria service is an inefficient use of resources, as it runs via stations already very well served by other lines and does not carry many people from (say) Clapham Junction or Balham to London Bridge. We do not see the rationale for this service at all. ?.. As such we can keep 2 trains per hour SLL service to London Bridge in return for withdrawing the Crystal Palace service.?

So come on Tam!

Here?s the damning evidence straight from the horse?s mouth. Please make a clear and unequivocal statement on SE23. Do you or do you not support retention of the SLL ? and the aims of the group fighting for reinstatement of the line ? an outcome which would automatically entail axing of our loop line?

Once we are clear on you and your colleague?s attitudes to this damaging campaign, we can then deal with the threat faced to our services by the campaign to open up the line from Bellingham to Victoria.