Crofton Park services boost planned

Crofton Park could benefit from greatly increased train services, according to the latest draft of the Strategic Rail Plan, developed by Network Rail. But it could come at the expense of the services enjoyed by our neighbours in Nunhead.

Lewisham Council has long-campaigned for increased train services to Catford (presumably to appease the gentrified hordes that are currently invading that area, eh Ross?). As part of the consultation, Lewisham Council made a submission in support of the option to route the extra trains south-eastwards to Catford and Bromley rather than through Lewisham towards Bexley. This option would improve train frequencies to Crofton Park, Catford, Bellingham and Beckenham Hill.

However, over in Nunhead, it's a plan which Cllr Fiona Colley is doing her best to scupper, on the basis that it could lead to reductions in local services. As you can see on her blog, she claims it could lead to:

• No direct trains between Denmark Hill and London Bridge (currently 2 per hour)
• Direct trains between Peckham Rye to London Bridge reduced from 8 per hour to 6 per hour
• Direct trains between Queens Road to London Bridge reduced from 8 per hour to 6 per hour
• No direct trains between Queens Road and Victoria (currently 2 per hour)

The review takes place against the backdrop of the completion of the high-speed rail link to Kings Cross, the green-light for Thameslink and the plan to extend the East London Line to Clapham Junction:

• High Speed One frees up network capacity in South London
• Thameslink will allow for more north-south rail journeys through London Bridge and will expand the capacity of Blackfriars
• The East London Line Extension will provide new options for commuters in the Queens Road area

An increase in services to Crofton Park and Catford is currently the likely option, subject to the second phase of the East London Line extension being approved (itself a virtual certainty).

The strategic review is ongoing, but the plans relate to services from 2011 onwards.

Thanks to Ed for the information.