Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the Mayor’s reply to her questioning about the need for a London Underground station at the Bricklayer’s Arms as part of the Bakerloo Line extension, said:
“TfL made a foolish decision to not put forward a Tube station at the Bricklayer’s Arms when they started a consultation last February on the Bakerloo Line extension.
“The case for a station at Bricklayer’s Arms is overwhelming. It will bring huge benefits to local residents and businesses in the area. It would ensure the benefits of the Bakerloo Line are delivered across the whole of the extended Tube line.
“To have such a long gap between the Elephant & Castle and the first proposed Tube station stop is simply not acceptable, yet that is exactly what TfL have been proposing up to now.
“For local residents to have to put up with a vast ventilation shaft because of the large gap between two Tube stations yet have no nearby station is simply insulting.
“So for the Mayor to accept that the case for a Tube station at Bricklayer’s Arms needs to be fully considered is a small but welcome step forward. It is encouraging that he at least recognises that campaigners have made a ‘strong case’ for the Tube station.
"I also welcome consideration being given to an interchange between the London Overground and the currently proposed second Tube station along the Old Kent Road.
“We still have a very long way to go to ensure a much needed Tube station is delivered at the Bricklayer’s Arms, but today is certainly a good start.”