Cllr Farooq Qureshi

Liberal Democrat councillor and Parliamentary candidate for Leyton & Wanstead Farooq Qureshi accompanied by Cllr Keith Rayner held a meeting with representatives from Transport for London (TFL) to discuss how they are working with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to secure transport improvements for the area in the build up to the 2012 Olympic games.

A number of issues regarding transport infrastructure were discussed. The Lib Dem councillors were positive about the meeting and the awareness from TFL of customer concerns.

Historically at the top of the local transport agenda, The Hall Farm Curve rail link was discussed. Despite the confirmation that the restoration of the service was not part of the immediate plans, TFL representatives said that, as a service partner for the Olympics, it would be prepared to work with the ODA if the 2012 body wanted to investigate the Hall Farm Curve as part of the Olympic infrastructure. But, for this to materialise,the local council has to make a convincing case.

Other issues discussed included:

• Easing of “exit” congestion at Leyton and Leytonstone underground stations by opening up additional exits in peak periods.
• Improved accessibility for disabled passengers at Leyton Tube Station.
• The need for better and more frequent bus routes for both Leyton and Leytonstone High Roads, including improved connections with the rest of the borough and improved services to and from Stratford.
• The refurbishment of Leyton Midland and Leytonstone High Road Stations on the Barking and Gospel Oak lines, including better lighting and platform information systems.

After the meeting Cllr Qureshi said:  “I am very pleased that TFL were prepared to listen to residents concerns about our local transport infrastructure and what benefits 2012 could provide for local transport links. Good and easily accessible transport is vital for a sustainable economy in Leyton and Wanstead. It will play an enormous part in efforts to bring much needed economic prosperity to our area.”

Representatives of TFL promised to arrange further meetings between TFL and ODA which will include ward councillors and special interest groups so that they can have an input into priority transport improvement in the area.